Study finds EVs to be greener than ICE cars across their lifespans

The study highlights that while the manufacturing process of EVs does involve higher initial carbon emissions, primarily due to battery production, the overall carbon footprint of electric cars during their lifetime is considerably lower. This discrepancy is attributed to the lower emissions from driving and charging EVs compared to the emissions associated with fuelling and operating gasoline vehicles.

A key finding of the research is the “break-even point” – a measure indicating how long it takes for the lifetime emissions of an EV to fall below those of a comparable internal combustion engine vehicle. For an average EV produced in the United States in 2023, such as a Tesla Model 3, this point is reached after 41,000 kilometers (approximately 25,476 miles) of driving, which equates to about 2.1 years for a typical American driver. Furthermore, this duration is expected to halve by 2030 as the electricity grid becomes cleaner, enhancing the climate benefits of EVs.

The implications of these findings are profound. For individuals considering the switch to electric, the study suggests significant potential for reducing their carbon footprint, especially for those with high commuting distances. Conversely, it raises questions about the environmental impact of owning an EV for individuals who drive very little, emphasising the importance of utilisation in achieving net climate benefits.

Additionally, the report underlines the environmental advantages of domestic EV production, particularly in countries with cleaner energy grids. For instance, EVs produced in China, where the grid is still heavily reliant on coal, require much longer distances to offset the emissions from gasoline cars compared to EVs produced in the US. This fact bolsters the case for policies like the Inflation Reduction Act in the US, which incentivises the local manufacturing of electric vehicles.

Battery recycling is highlighted as another critical factor that could further reduce the carbon emissions associated with EVs, suggesting a future where the environmental impact of electric vehicle production and use could diminish even further.

The study’s conclusions are clear: despite the carbon emissions involved in their production, EVs represent a significantly cleaner alternative to gasoline cars over their lifetime. With every indication that the grid will continue to become cleaner, the environmental case for electric vehicles only strengthens, marking them as a crucial component in the fight against climate change. This analysis serves as a robust counterargument to the myths doubting the climate benefits of electric mobility, paving the way for increased adoption and investment in electric vehicles worldwide.

Source: BloombergNEF