In recent years, the debate on the environmental impact of electric vehicles (EVs) versus their internal combustion engine (ICE) counterparts has sparked diverse and often controversial viewpoints. A common misconception suggests that EVs have a worse impact on the environment than ICE vehicles due to their energy-intensive production methods. While it is undeniable that the production of EVs is associated with a significant environmental footprint, it is essential to consider the life cycle emissions of these vehicles rather than simply their production emissions. As illustrated by comprehensive studies, in terms of total life cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, EVs consistently perform better than ICE vehicles.[1][2]
To fully understand the environmental impact of EVs, we must consider the production process. A key point of concern lies in the creation of their large lithium-ion batteries, which requires the extraction and processing of minerals like lithium, cobalt, and nickel. This process involves heavy fossil fuel usage, leading to a substantial amount of CO2 emissions.[3] Consequently, it has been found that the production of an EV can emit around 80% more emissions than that of a comparable ICE vehicle.[3] For instance, the additional production emissions of a Tesla Model 3 Standard Plus are equivalent to the driving emissions of a Volkswagen Passat 2.0 TSI after 18,000 kilometres.[1]
Despite the higher production emissions, when examining the life cycle emissions – including production, usage, and recycling stages – of EVs compared to ICE vehicles, the environmental benefit of EVs becomes very apparent. Research shows that EVs produce 89% fewer GHG emissions across their life cycle compared with traditional petrol and diesel vehicles when powered by green electricity.[1] Even when powered by emissions-heavy electricity sources like coal, EVs prove to have emissions on par with or better than gasoline vehicles.[3]
As renewable energy technologies like wind and solar power continue to replace fossil fuels in the global energy market, the gap in life cycle emissions between EVs and ICE vehicles will likely widen even further in favour of electric cars. Technological advancements are also playing a crucial role in addressing the environmental impact of battery production and end-of-life management for electric vehicles. Processes are being developed to more efficiently recover and recycle the valuable materials in EV batteries, reducing the need for new mining. As these technologies mature, we can expect the emissions from the production and end-of-life stages of EV batteries to continue to decrease, making electric vehicles an even more sustainable choice.[4][5]
Ultimately, the transition from ICE vehicles to EVs forms an integral part of the global strategy to combat climate change and reduce the carbon footprint of the transportation sector. However, it is crucial to acknowledge the current limitations and challenges associated with EV production and end-of-life stages. Recognising these issues is the first step in the journey towards improving these factors and making electric vehicles even more sustainable.
While we strive to mitigate these problems, it is essential to keep the bigger picture in mind. Despite the challenges in production and end-of-life stages, EVs are already a better choice for the climate than ICE vehicles, even when charged with electricity from fossil fuels. With ongoing advancements in green energy and battery technology, EVs will continue to be a major part of the solution to our global climate crisis. The key takeaway is not to let perfect be the enemy of good, and acknowledge that while EVs may not be flawless, they are a substantial step forward in our efforts to mitigate climate change.
