Electric Vehicles Beat Gas Cars on Climate Emissions over Time

Electric Vehicles Beat Gas Cars on Climate Emissions over Time  Scientific American

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Mar 12, 2024 - 19:00
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Electric Vehicles Beat Gas Cars on Climate Emissions over Time

Electric Vehicles Beat Gas Cars on Climate Emissions over Time

CLIMATEWIRE |

New Research Shows Electric Vehicles Have a Larger Carbon Footprint than Gas-Powered Cars

March 12, 2024

2 min read

Cars on the Golden gate bridge in slight fog.

Traffic on the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, California, US, on Thursday, June 29, 2023.

By Mike Lee & E&E News

Introduction

A new report reveals that the production of electric vehicles (EVs) results in a larger carbon dioxide footprint compared to gasoline-powered cars. However, EVs compensate for this difference in the long run.

Key Findings

  1. An average EV produced in the U.S. in 2023 will close the emissions gap in about 2.2 years or 25,000 miles.
  2. After this period, electric vehicles emit significantly less CO2 than internal combustion vehicles, especially considering their longer lifespan.
  3. The advantage of EVs is expected to increase as the electricity generation becomes cleaner.

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Break-Even Period in Different Countries

  • United Kingdom: 4 years
  • Germany: 5.1 years
  • Japan: 5.6 years
  • China: 9.6 years

However, by 2030, the break-even period is projected to be significantly shorter:

  • United Kingdom: 2 years
  • Germany: 2.1 years
  • Japan: 3.1 years
  • China: 4.6 years

Battery Supply Chain and Emissions

The research addresses concerns about the pollution created by the battery supply chain, which is currently centered in China.

The payback period is slightly higher than previous calculations due to changes in methodology, such as considering larger batteries common in the U.S. and assuming battery production in China instead of the United States.

Emissions from battery production are expected to decrease as companies move production to the United States and as incentives are provided to clean up the electric generation industry.

Reprinted from E&E News with permission from POLITICO, LLC. Copyright 2024. E&E News provides essential news for energy and environment professionals.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

  1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

    • Target 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
    • Indicator: The article mentions that the advantage of electric vehicles (EVs) emitting less CO2 than internal combustion vehicles will likely increase as electric generation becomes cleaner.

  2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

    • Target 9.4: By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes.
    • Indicator: The article mentions that emissions from battery production are expected to fall as the Inflation Reduction Act forces companies to move production to the United States, which aligns with the target of adopting clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes.

  3. SDG 13: Climate Action

    • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
    • Indicator: The article discusses the emissions difference between electric vehicles and gasoline-powered cars, highlighting the need for EVs to overcome the emissions gap relatively quickly to contribute to climate action.
SDGs Targets Indicators
SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy Target 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix. The advantage of electric vehicles (EVs) emitting less CO2 than internal combustion vehicles will likely increase as electric generation becomes cleaner.
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure Target 9.4: By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes. Emissions from battery production are expected to fall as the Inflation Reduction Act forces companies to move production to the United States, aligning with the target of adopting clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes.
SDG 13: Climate Action Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries. The emissions difference between electric vehicles and gasoline-powered cars highlights the need for EVs to overcome the emissions gap relatively quickly to contribute to climate action.

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: scientificamerican.com

 

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