While the crucial role of transport for economic and social development cannot be understated, it is equally important to address the sector’s dependence on fossil fuels. Road vehicles have been the largest contributors to transport-related emissions, with emissions increasing by around 20% between 2010 and 2023.

What’s more, transport emissions have been growing more quickly in Asia than anywhere else in the world, driven by high population and economic growth rates. Without intervention, the region is expected to contribute over 7 gigatons of CO2 emissions in 2050, significantly exceeding the 1Gt threshold to limit the worst impacts of climate change.

As with other end-use technologies, the electrification of road vehicles offers the most promising pathway to Asian countries to reduce transport emissions. Public transport, in particular, presents an immediate and powerful lever for electrification, offering the greatest potential for cutting emissions on a large scale.

 Democratising sustainable mobility for all

 Recent technological advancements have enabled the development of electric vehicles (EVs) including buses, trains, and minibuses that significantly reduce carbon emissions. The deployment of these cutting-edge EVs has resulted in measurable reductions in air pollutants and urban CO2 emissions for many countries around the world.

Shenzhen in China for instance became the first city in the world to have an all-electric public bus fleet after participating in a zero-emissions programme to improve its poor air quality. India has also followed suit with an ambitious National Electric Bus Program (NEBP) that aims to introduce 50,000 electric buses across the country by 2030.

The Shenzhen Bus Group achieved an emissions reduction of 190,000 tons of CO2 from their electric bus fleet. On average, EV buses have reduced GHG emissions by 70% compared to using compressed natural gas equivalents. Even in countries with low renewable use like Mongolia, EV buses still reduced GHG emissions by 30%.

Electrification of public transit is not limited to buses alone – Bangkok for instance has launched an electric boat taxi service on several main canals in the city. Designed to connect with Bangkok’s electric rail systems, public buses, and taxi motorcycle services, the boat taxis also support the city’s tourism efforts beyond cutting down CO2 emissions.

Beyond cutting emissions and improving air quality – the electrification of public transport can also lead to broader social benefits. Electrified public transport places some of our most advanced clean technology within reach of those who can benefit from it most, in the service of those most in need.

Here in Malaysia, electric minibuses in smaller cities like Ipoh and Kuching have not only modernised their transportation systems but also preserved the intimate, community-oriented character that defines local life. All residents can have access to reliable, sustainable, efficient mobility options – regardless of their socioeconomic status.

There are also benefits to the city’s operations budget; lower fuel costs, less maintenance, and longer vehicle lifespan reduce the strain on municipal finance. By cutting emissions and increasing accessibility, public transport electrification presents an opportunity to empower underserved communities, strengthen economic inclusion and lay the groundwork for long-term urban resilience.

As the nation’s leading electricity provider, Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) is leading the charge to build a future-ready EV ecosystem, enabling more Malaysians to transition to electric mobility. This includes deploying high-performance charging stations in optimal locations to support both public and private transport electrification needs.

To date, TNB has built 78 charging points across Peninsular Malaysia, with aggressive expansion plans underway. In addition to a reliable charging network, TNB is also investing RM90 billion over five years in grid upgrades to ensure Malaysia’s power infrastructure remains resilient, efficient, and ready to manage increased energy loads.

 Going beyond electrification with alternative fuels

While transport electrification is key for reducing CO2 emissions, this alone won’t be enough. Even if we reach the International Energy Agency’s estimate of 600 million EVs by 2040, we will replace less than 15% of fossil fuels used today. Other sustainable solutions are needed for vehicles that are already on the road, now and in the foreseeable future.

Renewable fuels are an important part of the sustainable mobility puzzle. These are fuels derived from sources that are constantly regenerating, such as biomass, waste, and other raw materials. When renewable fuels are burned, they do not emit new CO2 into the atmosphere – and can lead to GHG emissions savings of up to 95% compared to fossil fuels.

Given that 95% of final energy demand for transport is currently met by fossil fuels,scaling up renewable fuels is an urgent priority.  In 2019, renewable fuels helped replace close to 4% of all fossil fuel oil used in transport generally – substantial investment could allow for 40% to be replaced by 2040.

Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is one of Malaysia’s key strategies for adopting renewable fuels, positioning the country as a global leader in sustainable aviation. By 2025, Malaysia targets incorporating SAF into its aviation fuel mix with a goal of up to 47% SAF blending by 2050 to achieve net-zero CO2 emissions.

Going forward, similar strategies can be applied to public transport and high-emission sectors less suited to electrification. Backed by strong policy and public-private collaboration, these efforts will diversify Malaysia’s decarbonisation toolkit, strengthen energy security, and build a more climate-resilient transport system.

 Charting a path towards sustainable mobility

Ultimately, Asia’s public transport electrification can set a global precedent, proving large-scale sustainable mobility is both viable and essential. This bottom-up transformation can become a unique model of sustainable development – one that balances technological advancement with social cohesion and cultural preservation.

By transitioning to electric mobility, Malaysia can chart the way forward not just for climate action, but for building an equitable and sustainable future in Asia and beyond.