Manufacturing emissions of electric vehicles (EVs) generally exceed those of gasoline-powered internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. Here’s a comparison:
Key Differences in Manufacturing Emissions
- Electric Vehicles (EVs):
- The production process for EVs, particularly the battery manufacturing, results in higher emissions. A study found that EV production is responsible for about 46% of its total lifecycle emissions, with the battery alone contributing over seven tons of CO2e emissions.
- Materials such as lithium, nickel, cobalt, manganese, and graphite are key contributors to these emissions due to their extraction and processing requirements.
- Gasoline-Powered Vehicles (ICE):
- ICE vehicles have lower manufacturing emissions compared to EVs. Manufacturing emissions account for approximately 26% of their total lifecycle emissions.
Lifecycle Emissions Comparison
- Overall Emissions:
- EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions but have higher manufacturing emissions. ICE vehicles emit more throughout their lifecycle due to tailpipe emissions.
- Over the average lifespan of a vehicle, EVs typically catch up to ICE vehicles in terms of overall emissions in about 1.4 to 1.9 years.
- The efficiency of EVs (around 100 mpgE) compared to ICE vehicles (about 25 mpg) contributes significantly to this catch-up period.
Conclusion
While EVs initially have higher manufacturing emissions due mainly to battery production, their lower operational emissions quickly offset this disadvantage compared to ICE vehicles. Over time, EVs generally have a lower total lifecycle emissions profile.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/how-do-manufacturing-emissions-of-electric-vehicles-compare-to-those-of-gasoline-cars/
