Diana Furchtgott-Roth writes in the City Journal about the emissions reduction potential of electric vehicles.
- A study published in the SAE International Journal of Electrified Vehicles has found that pure plug in vehicles can create more emissions than hybrid vehicles, and in some cases, gas-powered vehicles.
- The process to extract the materials that are needed to make EV batteries is intensive and done in countries with fewer labor and environmental regulations than in the United States.
- Another reason that emissions from EVs may be higher is that EVs are charging during peak demand when there are higher percentages of fossil fuels generating electricity.
- By increasing domestic mining capabilities and investing in reliable, carbon-free energy sources policymakers can reduce the emissions impact of electric vehicles.
“Attempts to lower emissions in the United States shouldn’t overlook this research. Focusing on battery-powered electric vehicles may neglect more fruitful means of emissions reduction. As the researchers write, ‘the future is eclectic, not electric.'”
Read the full article here.
The views and opinions expressed are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of C3.
