Comparative Study of CO₂ Emissions from the use of Electric and Hybrid Vehicles in Four Different Countries.

This study analyzes the current state and challenges of electric mobility and energy generation in Colombia and the Dominican Republic, as well as the cases of Germany and Sweden, in the context of the transition towards a more sustainable future. Electric mobility aims to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, supported by the increase in charging infrastructure and favorable government policies. However, the objective of this work emphasizes that the mere use of electric vehicles does not automatically guarantee a reduction in GHG emissions, as observed in the Dominican Republic, where electricity generation mainly depends on thermoelectric sources. This reliance prevents the adoption of electric vehicles from achieving a significant reduction in carbon dioxide $\left(\mathrm{CO}_{2}\right)$ emissions due to the high emission levels in electricity production. In contrast, in Colombia, where the energy matrix is dominated by hydroelectric power, electric mobility significantly contributes to the reduction of GHG emissions. In Germany, despite its significant share of renewable energy, many challenges remain due to its dependence on lignite and coal. On the other hand, Sweden presents a much more positive outlook and is a global example in the field of energy transition. The results underscore the importance of diversifying energy sources to maximize the positive impact of electric mobility on emission reductions and highlight the need for comprehensive strategies that consider both the transportation and energy sectors to achieve a sustainable transition.