A new study shows that electric vehicles truly live up to their reputation for environmental friendliness. After just two years of use, their carbon emissions begin to fall below those of gasoline-powered vehicles.
This conclusion was reached by scientists at Duke University with support from battery chemicals manufacturer Albemarle.
During the manufacturing process, electric vehicles emit about 30% more CO2 than internal combustion engine vehicles, primarily due to lithium mining and battery assembly. However, this changes rapidly once they are on the road. Electric vehicles can offset this "carbon emission" within the first two years of operation, after which emissions will decrease significantly.
Calculations show that by 2030, every 1 kWh increase in electric vehicle battery capacity will reduce CO2 emissions by 220 kg; by 2050, this figure will drop to 127 kg. Over their entire lifecycle, the environmental impact of gasoline-powered vehicles is estimated to be 2 to 3.5 times that of electric vehicles.
