Research silences critics: electric car is always better for the environment

We can imagine that it hurts people with gasoline in the blood. Anyone who has been fond of the experience of combustion engines all his life would of course prefer to stick with it. But global warming is sending us in a different direction.

Where is the character?

That is the side of the electric car, even many car manufacturers think so. That saddens the enthusiast. Okay, EVs often pull up quickly, but a nice engine growl is missing. Not to mention nice character differences between three, four, five, six, eight, ten and twelve cylinders. A lusty exhaust sound? Too bad.

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Questions about batteries for electric cars

That is why car fans asked the right question: "If we consider the extraction of minerals and the production of the batteries, are electric cars really that environmentally friendly?" And what about the power used? After all, this does not always come from green power plants.

Cradle to grave

The American International Council on Clean Transportation provides answers to those questions. And they are not nice. After investigation, the council comes to a clear conclusion. In any case, assuming a sedan model that will last 18 years, the all-electric car is better for the environment than a comparable car with a petrol or diesel engine, according to the ICCT. The study looked at the entire life cycle. So from production to demolition. The extraction and production of the raw materials is also included. As well as the fluids used (oil, ATF, coolant, etc.) for maintenance and of course the fuel and power used.

EV better for the environment within one year jaar

Interestingly enough, the differences at the beginning of the life cycle are much smaller than many EV critics think. As a result, an electric car would be more environmentally friendly than a fuel car within one year. Polestar previously mentioned a mileage term, which looked less favorable for EVs.

Differences greatest in Europe

The researchers identified four major car markets: Europe, the United States, China and India. The environmental benefits of electric cars range from 19 to 34 percent in India to 66 to 69 percent in Europe. The difference in India (and also in China at 37 to 45 percent) between EVs and cars with combustion engines is smaller, because a lot of electricity still comes from coal-fired power stations. The figures in the US (60-68 percent) are close to the European ones.

Environmental benefit will increase further after 2030

The researchers expect that the environmental benefit of EVs will increase further after 2030. Both because of the greening of the energy supply and because of the expected improvements in battery technology.