It’s often presented like an unsolvable dichotomy. But it’s not. Reaching Europe’s 2030 targets is not about choosing public or active transport over cars, but about integrating both into a smarter, cleaner, more accessible mobility ecosystem. Solutions are there: electric vehicles (EVs), car sharing and carpooling, self-driving vehicles for commercial ride-hailing, shuttle, and bus services, or MaaS models are being increasingly adopted in cities, redefining urban mobility. So, how to recentre the debate to support these new mobility behaviours for a better life?

Despite little progress in the reduction of emissions in recent decades, transport still accounts for around one-fifth of global CO₂. In fact, according to the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT), emissions from global road transport are expected to peak this year, reaching approximately nine gigatons.

This poses substantial risks to both the environment, and the economy as high levels of pollution have been linked to poor health, lower cognitive development, and educational attainment, as well as lower productivity.

As a result, decarbonisation, electrification and the use or renewable energy as well as digitalisation and the introduction of smart technologies have turned into priorities, particularly in urban areas, where the elephant in the room is still the private vehicle.

Spain, the second-largest vehicle producer in Europe (after Germany) and ninth worldwide, has set a goal of reaching five million electric vehicles (EVs) by 2030 — and for now, it appears to be on the right track. According to the Spanish Association of Automobile and Truck Manufacturers (ANFAC, in Spanish), sales of electrified passenger cars (BEVs and PHEVs) reached 21,002 units in July 2025, marking a 155% increase compared to the same month last year and accounting for 21.4% of the monthly market share.

This surge in EVs sales combined with the introduction of low-emission zones is starting to show positive results. A study conducted by professors at IESE Business School estimates that the introduction of low-emissions zones (LEZ) in Madrid has led to 73 fewer premature/low-birth-weight births per year, as well as 300 fewer respiratory hospital admissions, 319 fewer cardiovascular admissions, annual medical savings of €3.4 million and 88 lives saved. Equally, in Barcelona, where the Ring Roads LEZ includes a protected area of over 95 km2, 2024 was the second year in which the European pollution limits were met at all measuring stations, substantially improving air quality.

These are clearly important societal benefits. However, the IESE paper also acknowledges that these measures need to be combined with initiatives to protect retail businesses and SMEs, as well as more effective public transportation options.

Overall, the mobility conundrum is far from being solved as in both Spain and across Europe EV adoption and fleet turnover remain well below what is needed to meet both 2030 and 2050 targets. Rapid expansion of charging infrastructure, more affordable EV models, stronger demand incentives, and urban mobility policies will be critical.

The upcoming Tomorrow.Mobility World Congress, co-organized by EIT Urban Mobility and Fira de Barcelona, will address all these challenges by gathering the world’s top experts to find solutions and help transforming the way we move not only in Spain but throughout the planet.

The event, to be held 4-6 November in Barcelona, alongside Smart City Expo World Congress, Tomorrow.Building World Congress, and Tomorrow.BlueEconomy World Congress addresses the most pressing challenges for a better future. Altogether, the shows are expected to gather over 1,000 exhibitors –including companies, cities, governments, and institutions–, more than 600 international experts, and over 25,000 attendees.

The first quarter of this century –the Century of Cities– has shown us what’s possible when vision meets action. Now governments, city planners, and transportation authorities must collaborate with private enterprises, researchers, and the community to bring about the necessary changes, achieve sustainable mobility and fight for a better world.

It’s no longer a question of when, but of how. THE TIME FOR CITIES is here—and it’s ours to shape.