EVs vs. Petrol or Diesel Cars: A Green Comparison

author: FutureCar Staff    

Carmakers are investing billions in the development of new battery electric vehicles (BEVs) with the expectation that over 30 million of them will be on European roads by 2030. While electric cars produce no tailpipe emissions, the manufacturing process and production of batteries still contribute to carbon emissions. So, how do BEVs compare to traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) cars in terms of environmental impact?

The production process of a BEV involves the creation of life cycle emissions, which includes everything from the raw materials and battery power sources to the recycling and reuse of the vehicle. The extraction, refinement, transportation, and manufacture of lithium-ion batteries are highly energy-intensive processes, resulting in higher emissions during the production phase compared to an ICE car. However, ICE car manufacturing still leaves a significant carbon footprint.

Various carmakers have set ambitious goals to become carbon neutral in the coming decades. For example, Volkswagen and Toyota aim to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, while Mercedes-Benz plans to have net carbon-neutral vehicles by 2039. General Motors also plans to be carbon-neutral by 2040. Swedish company Polestar aims to produce a net-zero car by 2030 by eliminating all carbon emissions throughout the production process.

Although there is a significant carbon gap between BEVs and ICE cars at the time of sale, over the lifetime of a car, ICE cars continue to emit CO2 while electric cars emit no emissions except for particles from tires and brakes. Research by Transport & Environment (T&E) shows that an average EU electric car has carbon emissions almost three times lower than an equivalent petrol or diesel car, and this gap continues to widen. Even in countries like Poland, where the electricity grid is not yet fully green, a BEV with a battery produced in China still emits 37% less CO2 than a petrol car.

Battery technology and the materials used in their production significantly impact the price of BEVs, making them more expensive than ICE equivalents. However, as battery technology improves, alternatives to standard lithium-ion batteries are being explored. For example, CATL, a Chinese battery giant, is developing a new sodium-ion battery. BYD, the world's largest maker of electrified vehicles, is also working to reduce the use of rare minerals in battery technology.

Recycling or reusing batteries is an important step in reducing life cycle emissions from electric cars. The European Commission has proposed the world's first-ever sustainable battery law, which aims to ensure ethical mining techniques and increase the effective recycling of raw materials. Additionally, regulations have been adopted to establish end-of-life requirements for batteries, including collection targets and obligations, material recovery targets, and extended producer responsibility. Repurposing batteries for a "second life" in electricity storage on the grid can also help lower the overall carbon footprint of battery production.

While there are challenges throughout the BEV life cycle, it is clear that over their driving lifetimes, BEVs produce fewer carbon emissions than ICE cars and are better for the environment. As battery technology and manufacturing techniques continue to advance, the lifetime of batteries and electric vehicles will improve. It is important to note that the environmental impact of oil extraction for fuel is much greater than that of BEVs.

FutureCar Staff