In line with ambitious global climate change goals, a shift to electric vehicles (EV) and renewable energy is underway; however, as the lifetimes of vehicles and power plants are 10+ and 40+ years respectively, there is a lag in uptake. This study examines if material efficiency (ME) strategies for vehicles can offer a rapid interim reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, as needed to support EU compliance with the warming limitation goals set out in the Paris Agreement (of 1.5 and 2°C).