Lifecycle analysis shows electric cars are generally better for the environment than gasoline ones, considering battery production and overall impact.
The environmental impact of electric and gasoline cars over their whole lifecycle, including battery production, is a complex issue. However, the general consensus from multiple sources is that electric cars are better for the environment.
1. Lower Carbon Emissions: Electric cars typically produce significantly fewer planet-warming emissions than gasoline cars. Even when accounting for the electricity used for charging, electric vehicles generally have a smaller carbon footprint than gasoline cars.
2. Battery Production: The creation of large lithium-ion batteries for electric cars does result in some emissions. Battery production requires large amounts of electricity, and some studies have shown that making a typical electric vehicle can create more carbon pollution than making a gasoline car. However, over the lifetime of the vehicle, total greenhouse gas emissions associated with manufacturing, charging, and driving an electric car are typically lower than those associated with a gasoline car.
3. Electricity Generation: The environmental impact of electric cars also depends on how the electricity used to charge them is generated. If the electricity comes from renewable sources like wind or solar, the overall emissions associated with electric vehicles are even lower.
4. Vehicle Size and Weight: The environmental impact of electric vehicles can be influenced by their size and weight. While battery electric vehicles emit significantly less greenhouse gases over their lifetime, some of the gains are lost due to their increased weight. The trend towards larger and heavier cars, regardless of powertrain type, is increasing the negative impact on climate and energy demand.
In conclusion, while the manufacturing of electric car batteries and the source of electricity for charging can have environmental impacts, the overall consensus is that electric cars are better for the environment over their whole lifecycle, including battery production, especially when considering lower carbon emissions during operation and the potential for using renewable energy sources for charging.
https://climate.mit.edu/ask-mit/are-electric-vehicles-definitely-better-climate-gas-powered-cars
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/02/climate/electric-vehicles-environment.html
https://www.epa.gov/greenvehicles/electric-vehicle-myths
