The automotive industry is undergoing a massive transition into the electrified era, and as a result, electric vehicles (EVs) have become a highly debated topic. One big issue is the environmental impact of an EV and a key soundbite is the following: EVs will emit even less as more renewable electricity enters the grid, according to an analysis of the life-cycle emissions of the vehicles conducted by VUB university in Brussels for NGO Transport & Environment (T&E).
The lifecycle analysis of EVs shows that even when powered by the most carbon intensive electricity in Europe, they emit less GHG than a conventional diesel vehicle. As more renewable electricity enters the European grid, the climate impact of EV will further diminish. Likewise, technological improvement of battery chemistry, the reuse of battery for storage purposes, and the development of a recycling industry for EV batteries will lead to improvements in their sustainability.
Even in countries with the highest GHG intensity of electricity generation – Poland and Germany – an EV performs better on a lifecycle basis (including the emissions in manufacturing the battery and vehicle) than a diesel car. Using the Polish average, an electric vehicle emits 25% less CO2 over its lifetime, while in Sweden an EV emits 85% less. Meanwhile, EVs’ sustainability will improve further with battery technology advances and as more batteries are re-used for electricity storage or recycled.
EVs account for just 1.7% of new vehicles sold in Europe. The European Commission is considering including a zero-emission vehicle sales quota in its proposal for the cars and vans CO2 regulation which is expected in early November.
If youre interested in finding out more, read the summary of the study here. Read the full article here.