Did you know that 71% of women try to live more ethically, compared to just 59% of men?*

They say it’s a man’s world. But it seems that women are leading the work to save it alone – aka, the eco gender gap.

Although we’re changing the narrative, women have been persistently portrayed as the primary caregivers throughout history. And now, it seems this role extends to the planet, too.

In partnership with BMW i, we’re on a mission to uncover why women are driving the most change in sustainability and how we can encourage our male allies to be more proactive.

From being the first female member of the media to drive the Formula E race car to being the familiar face of the BBC’s electric street racing series FIA Formula E Championship, Nicki Shields is at the forefront when it comes to women and electric travel. Throughout her career, she has investigated a number of environmental issues, worked with top scientists and MPs, and anchored CNN’s flagship environment programme 'Going Green' and the channel’s technology and motor show Supercharged.

With a CV like that, it’s no wonder Nicki was at the top of our list to talk to.

Sustainability is largely seen as women’s work. Having investigated a number of environmental issues in a male-dominated industry, how have you felt this eco gender gap in your career?

I would say that within the eco-sphere it does sometimes seem that women are the larger representative, but often when you think of some of our biggest inspirations in the fight against climate change, plenty of men come to mind - David Attenborough, for example. Within the automotive industry I honestly haven’t felt a huge gap. Because, as you pointed out, it is a male-dominated space, many of those who are working in these automotive sustainability roles are men. For me, it does not matter who is working within the sector as long as we are putting adequate effort and resources into it. At the end of the day, climate change affects us all, whatever our gender, race, ethnicity etc. and we need to act now. I think age is probably more a factor than gender.

Most eco-friendly products are marketed to women but the car industry is still largely geared towards men. How are brands like BMW i changing the sustainability narrative?

BMW i continue to do a fantastic job in their marketing of electric vehicles to the masses, whatever the gender. In recent campaigns and adverts for example we have seen women as the driver and a male as her passenger, and the recent partnership with Cannes Festival was a brilliant showcase of electric mobility in the pop-culture sphere.

I don’t think the car industry is necessarily geared towards men – yes, there is the typical lads culture within it, but brands know who has the ultimate decision when it comes to purchasing a car, so they target a more female audience.

BMW i were pioneering in this space, the BMW i3 was revolutionary, not only a practical, good-looking electric car, but it was also built using more renewable materials. I also love the partnership with Coldplay to create the world's first net zero carbon tour, with the help of using recycled i3 batteries. The i range is now extensive and that’s what people want when buying an EV – choice.

What are the positive benefits of electric cars, and how are they more beneficial to the environment?

There are so many benefits of driving electric cars – it’s hard to know where to start! Crucially, EVs are better for our planet than cars with combustion engines – they do not emit any exhaust gases, which in turn reduces local air pollution. Also, they can improve the health of our children who are growing up in increasingly heavily polluted cities. There is also far less noise pollution with electric cars too. If you’re looking at the benefits for the car owner, the running costs can be lower, and there’s no congestion charge, with the availability of government grants and tax incentives. You also have more responsive acceleration and 100% torque.

BMW i has models with both all-electric engines and plug-in hybrids, allowing drivers to find their perfect electric driving solution. Which BMW i model is your favourite and why?

It was the BMW i3 – my first true love! It’s the fastest nippy little thing in London and was a trailer blazer. The first of its kind. I love it. Now, it has to be the iX – it redefines EVs. Luxury in design with an insane range. Say goodbye to range anxiety forever – and yes, I’ve got used to the front grill!

You've investigated a number of environmental issues throughout your career and met with top scientists and MPs. How can we encourage more men to be more engaged and pro-active when it comes to the environment?

We’ve seen how many recent campaigns centred around football have had a large impact with regards to targeting the male audience – the use of male influencers or figures that men perceive as their idols in campaigns about mental health, for example. A similar tactic would definitely be beneficial for sustainability. Figures in motorsport such as Lewis Hamilton, Sebastian Vettel, and Lucas Di Grassi are the idols of so many young men, and the fact they continually push sustainability messaging in their lives on and off track is brilliant.

What do you want the future of electric driving to look like?

Fun, fast, and fueled with innovation, where range anxiety is a thing of the past. Having the right infrastructure and transparency with information and costs. Every material used to make a car can be reused or recycled. The whole production process should be net zero carbon, no just zero emissions at the tail pipe.

I want it to continue to progress, hopefully to the point where the majority of us are driving electric or hybrid cars in our day-to-day life. With series like Formula E we are demonstrating to the masses how good electric cars can be, showing them at top speed, racing hard and pushing to the limit. Just like BMW i have done, it’s key to break away from the negative stigma sometimes surrounding the EV industry. The technology and learnings from the racetrack are constantly being fed back into road car production to make the future of electric mobility more efficient and more exciting. I cannot wait to see what happens.

And after hearing Nicki’s take on the topic, we can safely say, nor can we.

According to a recent study conducted by insurance company LV, at least one-third of all used car purchases will be electric by 2030. So, whether you're still electric-curious or already recharging your ride, the future looks bright. And with women like Nicki and brands like BMW i leading the way, we’re confident it will be.

To find out more about the BMW i range of electric cars, click here.

*A 2018 survey by Mintel showed that 71% of women try to live more ethically, compared to 59% of men.