GOING GREEN – MYTH OR MISCONCEPTION?
Going green? One of the most widespread misconceptions about electric vehicles (EVs) is also one of the easiest to dispel. It is true that EVs are only as environmentally friendly as the electricity used to produce and charge them, but recent studies show us that even when powered by the most polluting electric grid, EVs still emit fewer emissions than traditional vehicles. As such, we can debunk the belief encapsulated by this statement:
“Electric vehicles are not environmentally friendly because the electricity to charge them comes from coal.”
The key question now is how EV drivers can maximise the environmental benefits of the cars they so dearly love.
GETTING GREENER BY THE DAY
As we said, the environmental cleanliness of EVs depends entirely on the source of power used to charge them. The overall environmental benefits of EVs vary depending on the mix of generation sources on the grid. In 2021, the UK’s electricity system had its greenest day on record on Easter Monday, with carbon intensity dropping to 39g CO2/kWh, surpassing the previous record set in May of 2020 at 46g CO2/kWh. It’s clear that the electricity in the UK is increasingly green, with coal providing just 1.6% of the country’s electricity in 2020, down from about 25% five years prior. During the 2020 coronavirus lockdown, the UK went coal-free for a record 67 days, marking a significant milestone. Additionally, the carbon intensity has decreased by 65.8% between 2013 and 2020, representing even further progress.
THE ROAD TO REDUCTION
In the UK, an EV on the roads for a year could potentially save 1.5 tonnes of CO2 compared to a traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) car. This is the same as the amount of greenhouse gas removed by 71 fully-grown oak trees in the same period. The reduction in emissions can be even greater when charging an EV using low-carbon electricity. Regional differences in the sources of low-carbon electricity can also play a role in reducing emissions. For instance, charging an EV in Scotland, where renewable energy met 97.4% of electricity consumption in 2020, will result in lower CO2 emissions than charging the same EV elsewhere in the UK.
A GREEN DAY FOR CHARGING
National Grid has developed a tool that utilises energy and weather data to forecast the grid’s “greenness” up to two days in advance. This tool enables EV drivers to choose the most environmentally friendly day to charge their car. To further improve efficiency, a smart charger can be programmed to automatically charge an EV when the grid is most eco-friendly. Charging during off-peak hours allows drivers to benefit from the greenest energy possible since the grid is less burdened and doesn’t rely on fossil fuels.
ENTER V2G TECHNOLOGY
Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology takes it a step further and increases EVs’ positive impact on decarbonising the transportation sector by aiding the integration of renewable energy sources into the grid. EVs can store the electricity generated by renewables and discharge it when there is a high demand for energy or during periods when renewable energy isn’t available. To achieve the most environmentally friendly charging for EVs, you can connect the car directly to a solar panel or a wind turbine. This is a viable option as EV charging can be combined with on-site renewable energy generation.
COMPLETELY GREEN
Put simply, there is potential for EVs to be completely green in terms of driving and power sourcing. Fortunately, energy production is making strides towards this goal. For instance, the UK marked its first coal-free fortnight in May 2019, and renewable energy sources, such as wind farms, solar panels, biomass and hydro plants, generated more electricity in Q3 2019 than coal, oil and gas power stations combined. Additionally, renewables accounted for a record-breaking 47% of UK generation in Q1 2020. Solar power is also projected to generate the largest share of electricity in the UK by 2050.
THE GREEN TARIFF
Not all locations are ideal for renewable system installation. In such cases, EV drivers can opt for a green tariff. With most green tariffs, energy consumption is matched with a corresponding amount of energy either purchased or generated from renewable sources. This way, EV drivers can charge their vehicles using green energy without having to take on the responsibilities of owning or operating a renewable system.
BATTERIES ARE THE BAD BOYS
Although EVs emit no tailpipe emissions while on the road, they still generate pollution from tyre and brake particles, and they still have a significant environmental impact during production. Most car batteries are currently produced in China, South Korea and Japan, where electricity production involves a relatively high use of carbon. However, more battery production facilities are emerging in Europe and the UK. According to a report by the European Environment Agency (EEA), in China, 35-50% of total EV manufacturing emissions come from electricity consumption for battery production, which is up to three times higher than in the United States. However, China’s proportion of renewable energy in the electricity mix is projected to increase significantly by 2025, and if electricity is generated solely from wind power, China could see a 50% drop in emissions from the production phase compared with the current EU electricity grid mix.
CARBON NEUTRAL PRODUCTION
The EEA also claims that emissions from battery electric vehicle (BEV) production are generally higher than those from ICE vehicles. One study suggests that CO2 emissions from electric car production are 59% higher than those for ICE cars, largely due to battery manufacturing processes. The EEA recommends incorporating more renewable energy into the production process. Companies like Volkswagen and Volvo are now producing their electric cars in carbon-neutral ways, and more manufacturers are expected to follow suit in the future. Once an electric vehicle hits the road, most of its emissions have already been produced, unlike combustion engines which emit tailpipe emissions throughout their lifetime.
LESS RELIANCE ON CRMs
A reduction in worldwide carbon intensity by 30% by 2030 would lead to a 17% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from battery production. The lithium batteries used in EVs contain base metals like copper, aluminium, and iron. Other critical raw materials (CRMs) required for EV production have high economic importance and pose high supply risks, and their extraction requires significant energy. However, improvements in energy production techniques and more advanced battery technology will lead to less reliance on CRMs, making EVs greener as the means to produce and power them become less environmentally impactful.
THE CARS WE LOVE
With more than 265,000 BEVs registered in 2022, a growth of 40% compared to 2021, electric cars are emerging as the preferred mode of mass transportation in the UK, leaving hydrogen in the dust. Although hydrogen fuel cell vehicles like the Toyota Mirai and Honda Clarity are impressive, they are only available in limited quantities. Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles may have a bright future in Japan, but they would require significant investment from the government to be feasible on a large scale. According to the National Grid, the number of electric vehicles on UK roads is projected to reach 36 million by 2040, a figure announced before the UK government moved the ban on new petrol and diesel sales to 2030. Major car manufacturers are now planning to introduce electric-only vehicles by 2030 or earlier.
CHARGING LIMITATIONS
Electricity providers are making significant efforts to anticipate the increased demand for electricity that will be needed as more EVs hit the roads, and they are generally optimistic that they can handle it. The extent of the challenge is illustrated by UK Power Networks, which has projected that its networks will need to accommodate 4.1 million EV chargers by 2030. One solution to this challenge is the provision of additional generating capacity where necessary. Other innovative approaches, such as smart charging and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology, will also be crucial in ensuring that the electricity supply remains sufficient to meet demand. Nevertheless, National Grid remains confident that it will be able to meet the expected requirements.
THE ROAD TO ZERO
When considering the entire lifespan of a vehicle, including the extraction of raw materials, production of vehicles and batteries, and energy consumption during use, EVs offer significant reductions in CO2 emissions compared to traditional vehicles. According to the UK government’s 2018 publication, The Road to Zero, EVs produce significantly fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional vehicles, even when accounting for the source of electricity and energy used in battery production. Based on the current UK energy mix, battery electric vehicles produce the lowest greenhouse gas emissions of all energy sources and fuels considered, regardless of vehicle type and usage. The report estimated that in 2018, an electric car in the UK had total associated greenhouse gas emissions 66% lower than a petrol-powered car and 60% lower than a diesel-driven car. Furthermore, the report projected that by 2050, greenhouse gas emissions from UK electricity generation would decrease by 90% due to the dominance of renewable energy sources, and emissions associated with EV use would decline in parallel.
GREEN CHARGING IS PIVOTAL
When it comes to EV charging, “greenness” is an unavoidable consideration. Transitioning to electric vehicles leads to a world of opportunities for greener and possibly even the greenest options. To achieve this, EV drivers must take charge and set their vehicles to charge in the most environmentally friendly way possible. While EVs do have some environmental impact, they remain an excellent option for decarbonizing the transportation sector. Moreover, when paired with renewable energy sources, EVs become an even more sustainable choice, creating a match made in heaven between electric vehicles and renewable energy.
FOCUS ON THE FUTURE
Are electric vehicles better for the environment? The evidence strongly suggests that they are, with electric cars making urban areas cleaner and quieter, and producing much lower emissions than fossil fuel-powered cars once on the road. However, there is still work to be done to make EV manufacturing and energy production even more climate-neutral, in order to maximise their green potential. As electric cars become more prevalent, we need to focus on cleaner energy generation, better recycling, and improved battery technology.
