Chart: EVs are definitely cleaner than gas cars over their lifetime
Chart: EVs are definitely cleaner than gas cars over their lifetime Canary Media
sdgtalks
Sustainable Development Goals and Electric Vehicles
Introduction
Electric vehicles (EVs) play a crucial role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A recent report by BNEF highlights the environmental benefits of EVs and emphasizes the progress made in reducing carbon emissions. This article examines the findings of the report and explores the implications for EV adoption.
EV Payback Period
According to the report, a typical EV manufactured in the United States in 2023, such as a Tesla Model 3, achieves payback in terms of carbon emissions after driving just 41,000 kilometers (25,476 miles). This payback period is equivalent to approximately 2.1 years for an average American driver. By 2030, the payback period is expected to be halved due to the significant improvement in the grid’s cleanliness.
Longevity of EVs
The report emphasizes that a payback period of two years is relatively short in the lifespan of a car. Corey Cantor, BNEF senior associate for electric vehicles and one of the authors of the report, highlights this point. The longevity of EVs further supports their environmental benefits and encourages their adoption.
Driving Behavior and Carbon Emissions
The report also raises important insights regarding driving behavior and its impact on carbon emissions. If an individual purchases an EV but rarely drives it due to working from home or other reasons, the carbon emissions may be higher compared to keeping an old gas car or not owning a car at all. On the other hand, individuals with long commutes, known as supercommuters, can benefit from switching to EVs and reducing their carbon footprint within a year of purchase.
Onshoring EV Production
The findings of the report highlight the climate benefits of onshoring electric vehicle production. The trend of onshoring has gained momentum, especially with the support of domestic manufacturing subsidies. EVs manufactured in China currently require 118,000 kilometers of driving to break even with emissions from a comparable gas car due to the coal-dependent grid. By producing EVs and batteries in the United States with cleaner energy sources, emissions can be significantly reduced. Additionally, battery recycling can further decrease emissions in the battery supply chain compared to new mining.
Precise Details Matter
It is important to consider precise details when evaluating the environmental impact of EVs. The report acknowledges that certain regions have cleaner electricity production than the national average, and grid emissions can vary at different times. Factors such as manufacturing location and charging patterns should be taken into account to accurately assess the carbon emissions of EVs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the report from BNEF reaffirms that electric vehicles are cleaner than internal combustion vehicles in terms of carbon emissions. The ongoing efforts to improve the grid’s cleanliness and promote onshoring of EV production contribute to achieving the SDGs. As EV technology continues to advance, their environmental benefits will only increase, making them a crucial component of sustainable transportation.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators in the Article
1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- SDG 13: Climate Action
2. Specific Targets Identified
- SDG 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix
- SDG 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable
- SDG 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities
- SDG 12.2: Achieve sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources
- SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning
3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied
- Grid emissions-intensity
- Cleaner electricity production
- Emissions from manufacturing processes
- Emissions from transportation (shipping heavy things across the world)
- Battery recycling rates
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix | Grid emissions-intensity, cleaner electricity production |
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable | Emissions from manufacturing processes, emissions from transportation |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities | Grid emissions-intensity, cleaner electricity production |
| SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production | 12.2: Achieve sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources | Emissions from manufacturing processes, battery recycling rates |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning | Emissions from manufacturing processes, emissions from transportation |
Analysis:
1. The issues highlighted in the article are connected to multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These include SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
2. Based on the article’s content, specific targets under these SDGs can be identified. These targets include:
– SDG 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
– SDG 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable.
– SDG 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities.
– SDG 12.2: Achieve sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
– SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
3. The article mentions or implies several indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. These indicators include grid emissions-intensity, cleaner electricity production, emissions from manufacturing processes, emissions from transportation (shipping heavy things across the world), and battery recycling rates.
The article highlights the importance of grid emissions-intensity and cleaner electricity production in achieving SDG 7.2. It also mentions the emissions from manufacturing processes and transportation, which are relevant to SDG 9.4 and SDG 13.2. Additionally, the article discusses the potential impact of battery recycling on reducing emissions, which relates to SDG 12.2.
Overall, the article emphasizes the need for cleaner energy sources, sustainable infrastructure, reduced environmental impact of cities, efficient resource management, and integration of climate change measures in order to address the issues related to electric vehicles and carbon emissions.
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: canarymedia.com
Join us, as fellow seekers of change, on a transformative journey at https://sdgtalks.ai/welcome, where you can become a member and actively contribute to shaping a brighter future.
