New Research Demonstrates That Electric Vehicles Are Consistently More Eco-Friendly Than Gasoline Cars

      Carlin Stiehl/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

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      It's widely recognized that electric vehicles (EVs) are more eco-friendly compared to traditional gasoline-only cars, including the effects of battery production and electricity generation for charging. However, such generalizations can overlook critical details, like which EVs are particularly sustainable and the geographical context. The performance of electric cars significantly depends on surrounding temperatures, which typically don’t affect gas-powered vehicles.

      Recent findings and calculations from the University of Michigan provide insights into these matters. Last week, researchers released a study along with a calculator that enables users to compare the lifetime greenhouse gas emissions of different vehicle types and powertrains from production to disposal. This encompasses emissions from the vehicle's usage phase, including driving and the upstream production of fuel or electricity.

      Additionally, these calculations can vary based on your location. For instance, entering my location in Bucks County, Pennsylvania reveals that my standard internal combustion engine compact sedan emits 309 grams of carbon dioxide equivalent (gCO2e) per mile. A compact hybrid reduces that figure by 20%; a plug-in hybrid lowers it by 44%; and an EV with a 200-mile range boasts a 63% reduction in emissions. If I were to relocate to Phoenix, the benefits of switching to a pure electric vehicle would increase even more, leading to a staggering 79% reduction in carbon impact.

      According to the study: "This chart illustrates how greenhouse gas emissions from various vehicle types compare to those of a gas-powered pickup truck, based on new research from U-M. The grams of carbon dioxide equivalent emitted per mile are included in parentheses. The powertrain abbreviations are as follows: ICEV = Internal combustion engine vehicle; HEV = Hybrid electric vehicle; PHEV = Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle; BEV = Battery electric vehicle. The figures following the powertrain abbreviations indicate the electric mileage range." Umich.edu

      This research is particularly revealing when comparing the most efficient traditional internal combustion or mild-hybrid vehicle to a large electric SUV or pickup with a substantial battery. The heaviest, largest EV still emits only 71% of the carbon dioxide produced by a gas-burning compact (using Pennsylvania for reference). Surprisingly, a 7,000-pound Rivian R1T is less harmful to the environment over its lifecycle than a regular Civic.

      In addition, a midsize plug-in hybrid SUV with a 35-mile battery-only range is roughly equivalent in lifetime emissions to a 400-mile, all-electric pickup.

      Considering the popularity of trucks in the U.S., the study also examined the emissions related to pickups transporting cargo. Even with a 2,500-pound load, an electric truck with a 400-mile range is estimated to produce only about 35% of the CO2 equivalent of a gasoline-only truck that carries no cargo. Nevertheless, it's evident that carrying weight affects the range of an EV more than it does a traditional ICE truck.

      Ford

      Explore the university's calculator, experiment with various variables, and see the results for yourself. The researchers acknowledge there is room for improvement in their study. For example, charging times and patterns weren’t included in the analysis, and it recognizes that emissions can vary based on grid load.

      That being said, the conclusion is straightforward: Any vehicle powered solely by an internal combustion engine is more harmful to the environment than any EV, regardless of its size or type. While opting for the smallest vehicle that meets your needs is always advisable—regardless of the energy source—the researchers highlight another significant point: "We estimate that electrifying powertrains offers greater potential for reducing lifecycle emissions compared to the benefits of simply downsizing."

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