Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe
As countries across the UNECE region move towards cleaner and more efficient transport systems, UNECE energy and transport experts have been working to advance electric mobility through the implementation of a regional project that has delivered tangible results, including a comprehensive regional study and subsequent national-level activities.
UNECE continues to provide countries with the tools and insights needed to accelerate the decarbonization of inland transport, as well as with technical and policy support through the development of targeted knowledge resources. At a recent national workshop in Minsk, dedicated to assessing the readiness of the energy sector to implement smart digital energy-efficient technologies in Belarus in view of climate change mitigation, UNECE experts presented two recent publications, aimed at supporting the informed decision-making on electric mobility.
The workshop was co-organized by UNECE, UNDP Belarus, and the Department for Energy Efficiency of the State Committee for Standardization of the Republic of Belarus. The event brought together government officials at the national and local levels, and other national stakeholders to explore strategic options for advancing e-mobility in Belarus, drawing on lessons from the UNECE region.
Advancing e-mobility through regional experience
The “Electrification of Mobility” publication, developed under the UNECE Working Party on Transport Trends and Economics (WP.5), provides a consolidated overview of regional trends and practical policy insights for the electrification of road, rail, and inland waterway transport. It examines:
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Common challenges such as infrastructure readiness, vehicle affordability, and supply chain resilience
The publication was developed with extrabudgetary support from the Netherlands, contributing both funding and technical input to UNECE’s broader work on sustainable transport.
Compendium on charging infrastructure and energy integration
The “E-Mobility Compendium: Best Practices and Case Studies on EV Charging Infrastructure Deployment and Energy System Integration” brings together practical, real-world case studies that demonstrate how countries are advancing the deployment of charging infrastructure and its integration with energy systems.
The compendium showcases diverse examples, including:
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Strategic placement of charging infrastructure in urban and rural areas
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Governance, financing, and public-private collaboration models
Although regional in scope, the compendium is designed to be adaptable to national contexts, including that of Belarus, offering valuable guidance to countries that are shaping their own e-mobility frameworks.
Strengthening the knowledge base through UNECE E-Mobility Task Force
Recognizing the need for continued knowledge exchange and coordination across transport and energy systems, the UNECE E-Mobility Task Force was launched in 2024. It is mandated by the UNECE Inland Transport Committee (ITC) and the Committee on Sustainable Energy (CSE), and co-chaired by the Chairs of WP.5 and the Group of Experts on Cleaner Electricity Systems.
Organized into thematic workstreams, the initiative supports the advancement of EV technology, charging infrastructure, and clean energy integration. It facilitates the exchange of best practices and coordinates efforts to guide long-term planning and Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) deployment. Key areas of focus include smart and bidirectional charging, regulatory frameworks that ensure affordability and transparency, harmonized technical standards, and enhanced cybersecurity. The initiative also promotes user-friendly payment systems, accessible grid connections, and effective communication of charging capabilities.
In addition, it provides guidance for national infrastructure planning, supports the convergence of existing protocols into de jure standards to enable international interoperability of charging systems, and explores how land use strategies can improve accessibility and reduce mobility needs. With broad engagement from governments, industry, academia, and civil society, the initiative ensures inclusive and actionable progress toward a sustainable e-mobility future.
This informal Task Force serves as a collaborative platform to:
- Support the development and sharing of policy-relevant knowledge to guide national efforts in the transition to electric mobility
- Promote regulatory and technical coherence across the UNECE region to enhance interoperability, standardization, and cross-border coordination
The UNECE E-Mobility Task Force will continue to play a central role in enriching the E-Mobility Compendium with new case studies and practical examples. These will be incorporated into an upcoming online quick-start guide designed to support policymakers and practitioners with accessible, actionable insights adaptable to national contexts in specific countries.
Photo credit: Adobe Stock Images by Nitiphol