The simple answer is that, while not yet perfect and still leaving areas for improvement, EVs (electric vehicles) are certainly kinder to the environment than their traditional petrol and diesel-fuelled alternatives. The simple fact is that running an electric car emits significantly less air pollutants and greenhouse gases into the atmosphere than conventional vehicles. In fact the carbon dioxide emissions of running an EV are zero, resulting in cleaner air – and less noise pollution around our towns and cities due to the absence of an engine.
But there are some broader environmental issues to consider.
Currently, the science tells us that extra emissions are generated during the manufacture and production of electric cars, mainly to do with the batteries. But the technology is being improved all the time, and these levels are reducing annually as production techniques are improved.
The batteries used in electric cars also have a limited lifespan, and ways are being developed to recycle and reuse batteries for things like energy storage systems. So, while there are still improvements to be made, the reduction in emissions during the lifetime of an electric car, compared to conventional vehicles, still substantially offsets the negative impact of their production.
One study, by the European Energy Agency estimated that over the lifetime of an EV it would generate 17-30% less carbon emissions than a conventional car.
Likewise, as the technology to generate electricity from renewable sources (wind power, solar energy, hydropower) continues to improve the availability and cost of these energy supplies will improve. In some cases, even now, there are places in the UK where cars can be charged for free from renewable energy sources.
With the world becoming increasingly aware of green issues surrounding the use of fossil fuels, investment into safer, more sustainable energy alternatives will continue. This will mean that, while the reduced environmental impact and running costs for EVs are beyond question, scrutiny over the production processes is sure to see even more significant improvements to its impact over time.
