Electric vs combustion vehicle life-cycle emissions

[Bradley Prior]

Electric vs combustion vehicle life-cycle emissions

The carbon footprint of electric vehicles (EVs) compared to internal combustion engine vehicles has been proven to be far lower, even when considering the source of energy, battery production, repairs, and recycling.

 

[CommonSense]

So we must assume the International Council for Clean Transport is not biased in any way towards non-ICE engines?

 

[Swa]

The issue has never been about CO2 but about people's health. No harmful gasses and aromatics in cities. Overall EV emissions can be better contained and even recycled. I think once the majority of cars are EV there will be a push towards that as well.

 

[mypetcow]

At the end of the day it’s not about electric cars saving the planet. It’s about them eliminating exhaust emissions where they drive improving local air quality and thus people’s health. On the other hand they do reduce overall emissions as even a coal power station is more efficient than the most efficient petrol or Diesel engine per unit of energy due to scale

 

[Jakobus-9]

If the vast majority of our power comes from burning coal, would we not simply be moving the source of pollution to elsewhere?
Versus countries which use mainly other sources, like geothermal, hydro electrical, wind, solar, or nuclear?
In the meantime, considering our situation, hybrid vehicles might be of use until Eskom get it's act together...

 

[Swa]

If the vast majority of our power comes from burning coal, would we not simply be moving the source of pollution to elsewhere?
Versus countries which use mainly other sources, like geothermal, hydro electrical, wind, solar, or nuclear?
In the meantime, considering our situation, hybrid vehicles might be of use until Eskom get it's act together...

Coal is still cleaner than petroleum especially if you consider all the additives. But you are right, EVs essentially become the grid they are using unless you supply your own renewable energy.

 

[c3n0byt3]

At the end of the day it’s not about electric cars saving the planet. It’s about them eliminating exhaust emissions where they drive improving local air quality and thus people’s health. On the other hand they do reduce overall emissions as even a coal power station is more efficient than the most efficient petrol or Diesel engine per unit of energy due to scale

Yep true. Especially since it's easier (although not happening) to force a handful of power stations to conform vs the national motor vehicle fleet. Thinking individual vehicle maintenance, age and clean fuels (not going to happen any time soon).

Then again, there is the mercury from coal...