Electric Vehicle and Sustainable Transport Toolkit

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) Partnership envisions a future where transportation challenges are met with human-centric, innovative solutions. Our integrated approach focuses on decarbonizing vehicle sectors by shifting to clean, renewable energy sources and fuels, increasing access to clean and safe public transit, and integrating mobility systems with buildings, grids, and renewable energy. We are committed to enhancing vehicle technologies through the lens of the traveler and the local context by utilizing advancements in electrification, connectivity, and automation, and maximizing renewable energy utilization by developing storage and integration strategies. Our goal is to create safe, resilient, affordable, and clean energy transportation systems for the future.

What is the Electric Vehicle and Sustainable Transport Toolkit?

The Electric Vehicle (EV) and Sustainable Transport Toolkit embodies the USAID-NREL Partnership’s vision by providing comprehensive resources for policy makers, technical leads, and country partners to support the development of sustainable transport systems, which refer to low- and zero-emission, energy-efficient, and affordable modes of transport, including electric and alternative-fuel vehicles, in emerging economies (U.S. Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy). This toolkit offers information, methodologies, and tools on a wide range of topics, including gender mainstreaming, data collection, fleet transitions, grid resiliency and integration, and the holistic enhancement of mobility systems with active and non-motorized mobility options. By addressing barriers to sustainable transport and promoting interconnected solutions, this toolkit aims to foster an equitable, resilient, efficient, and clean transportation ecosystem.

Background: Why Think About Sustainable Transport Through an Integrated Lens?

An integrated approach to sustainable transport recognizes the interconnectedness of the transport sector with other critical systems, including the built environment, energy grid, and societal needs. The USAID-NREL Partnership prioritizes strategies that promote mobility equity, energy justice, and the adoption of renewable energy sources to create a transportation ecosystem that is resilient, efficient, and environmentally friendly.

In addition to this systems-based approach, the USAID-NREL Partnership recognizes the importance of addressing gender disparities within the transport sector. Gender mainstreaming is a cross-cutting theme across our efforts, ensuring that the needs and challenges of all individuals—especially women—are considered in sustainable transport development. By integrating gender-sensitive approaches into transport planning, we aim to create mobility systems that are equitable, accessible, and inclusive for everyone.

This integrated perspective is crucial for meeting greenhouse gas emissions targets, improving local air quality, and achieving broader environmental and social equity objectives. By fostering sustainable transport solutions that account for the diverse needs of the population, we can create a future where clean mobility is accessible and beneficial for all.

Interested in Partnering?

The USAID-NREL Partnership delivers tailored technical assistance designed to meet the unique characteristics and priorities of partner countries. This can include conducting regional transportation analyses, developing customized tools for fleet transition, consulting on policy development, and facilitating peer exchange opportunities and capacity building training.

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) partner to support developing countries in achieving their sustainable transportation goals. Partners, stakeholders, and researchers share an overview of the USAID-NREL Partnership’s technical assistance and research capabilities, as well as examples of sustainable transportation projects from Colombia and beyond.