Electric vehicles (EVs) generally produce fewer lifetime carbon emissions than gasoline cars, but the level of emissions savings depends significantly on the region’s electricity generation mix.
Emissions Comparison Overview
- Over their entire lifecycle (manufacturing, operation, disposal), gasoline cars emit roughly 410 grams of CO2 per mile.
- Electric cars produce about 110 grams of CO2 per mile on average, which is substantially less mainly due to zero tailpipe emissions and higher energy efficiency.
- EVs have higher manufacturing emissions, especially due to battery production, but they offset this within about 1.4 to 1.9 years of driving because their operational emissions are much lower.
Regional Variations in Emissions
- The carbon footprint of an EV depends heavily on the local electricity generation mix. Regions that rely mostly on renewable energy (wind, solar, hydro) have much cleaner electricity, making EVs significantly cleaner there.
- Conversely, in areas where electricity is largely generated from coal or other fossil fuels, the emissions associated with charging an EV are higher, though even in many such regions, EVs still typically have lower lifetime emissions than gasoline cars.
- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) notes that despite variations in electricity sources, EVs typically have a smaller carbon footprint than gasoline cars. They provide tools for users to check emissions based on their zip code’s power grid.
Are There Regions Where EVs Produce More Emissions Than Gasoline Cars?
- According to current data, it is very rare or practically nonexistent for EVs to produce more total emissions over their lifecycle than gasoline cars, even in regions with dirtier power grids.
- As renewable energy penetration increases and grid emissions decrease, EVs become even cleaner. In the U.S., 93% of the population lives in areas where EVs are cleaner than even the most efficient gasoline cars.
- Earlier scenarios or some highly coal-dependent grids might approach parity or close emissions, but comprehensive assessments show EVs outperform gasoline cars overall.
Summary
- EVs produce more manufacturing emissions but fewer operating emissions.
- In almost all regions, including those with coal-heavy electricity, EVs produce lower lifetime emissions than gasoline vehicles.
- The cleanness of EVs improves as the electric grid incorporates more renewable energy.
- There is no strong evidence that any specific region today results in EVs producing more total emissions than gasoline cars over their lifetimes.
Thus, while electricity source matters, EVs currently and increasingly produce less carbon emissions than gasoline cars in virtually all regions.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/are-there-any-regions-where-electric-vehicles-produce-more-emissions-than-gasoline-cars/
