Electric cars in Europe emit, on average, almost three times less CO2 than equivalent petrol or diesel cars, according to a new online tool developed by Transport & Environment (T&E).
The tool allows the public to compare the lifecycle emissions of an EV to fossil-fuelled vehicles.
According to T&E, the tool draws on the most up-to-date data to allow users to compare the vehicles in several different scenarios based on vehicle segment, where the battery was produced, and in what country the car was driven.
The tool also allows users to compare cars driven in 2020 and 2030, when the EU electricity grid is expected be cleaner than it is currently.
In the worst case scenario, an electric car with a battery produced in China and driven in Poland emits 22% less CO2 than diesel and 28% less than petrol, the tool shows.
In the best case scenario, an electric car with a battery produced in Sweden and driven in Sweden can reportedly emit 80% less CO2 than diesel and 81% less than petrol.
Lucien Mathieu, a transport and e-mobility analyst at T&E, said: “This tool puts to rest the myth that driving an electric car in Europe can be worse for the climate than an equivalent diesel or petrol. It’s simply not true.
“The most up-to-date data shows that electric cars in the EU emit almost three times less CO2 on average.
“Electric cars will reduce CO2 emissions four-fold by 2030 thanks to an EU grid relying more and more on renewables.
“If European governments are serious about decarbonising during the crisis recovery, they must speed up the transition to electric vehicles.”
One area where EVs score less well than conventionally-powered cars is in the production process, where emissions are currently around 30% higher for EVs than for petrol cars.
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