Eco-Innovation as a Determining Factor in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals in the Automotive Sector

Problem setting. Transport is a sector that generates greenhouse gas emissions, and its green transition is an important part of the overall strategy to combat climate change. The green transition has led to the popularity of electric and hybrid cars, but such eco-innovations in the automotive sector have a certain impact on the environment and have consequences. Analysis of recent research and publications on the chosen topic shows that the study of the theoretical, methodological and practical essence of eco-innovations has been the object of scientific research by various scientists. Purpose of research is to identify existing views on the category of eco-innovation in the scientific literature, including their understanding as a determining factor in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals in the automotive sector, to identify types of “green” technologies through the prism of the production, operation and disposal of electric vehicles, to clarify the strategic transition of the automotive sector to a green economy in accordance with EU standards, and to form a set of stimulating and regulatory measures regarding the impact of electric vehicle use on the environment. Article’s main body. The author draws attention to the fact that the views on the category of eco-innovation existing in the scientific literature have been reflected in the scientific works of both foreign and Ukrainian scientists. The concept of eco-innovation has become widespread in legal and economic literature, however, there are significant differences in views among scientists regarding its essence. It is determined that all approaches are justified and relevant, and their use depends on the specific aspect under which eco-innovation is considered. The novelty of the work lies in the identification of types of “green” technologies to determine their role in minimizing the impact of electric vehicles on the environment. It is noted that further eco-innovative changes in the automotive sector should be aimed at protecting and preserving the environment, efficient use of natural resources, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, changes in the technology of electric vehicle production and renewable energy infrastructure for electric vehicles. Conclusions and prospects for development. The study concluded that eco-innovation as a determining factor in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals in the automotive sector is a means of implementing the principles of a closed-loop economy (zero-waste), which are built on minimizing waste from electric vehicle production, supporting resource-saving and environmentally friendly production, restoring resources, and reducing negative environmental impacts. The article emphasizes that the incentive and regulatory measures presented in this study do not exhaust all possible ones, as this requires further research in the context of the emergence of new technologies in the automotive sector, sustainable nature management, and adaptation to climate change, which pose threats to reliable energy supply.