Electric Vehicle GHG Emissions

Hello Readers,

Perhaps the question that I get most often from skeptics of electric vehicles is: "Don't the coal plants used to power an electric vehicle give off more (GHG) emissions than a gas powered vehicle?"

Well, the Union of Concerned Scientists have just released a study that investigated exactly that! And as it turns out, the answer is "No!"

I encourage you to take a look at the study, on the UCS website or download the full pdf version of the report. Although, the info graphic below (linked from the website) gives you the general idea:

(Click to Enlarge)

Even in the areas of the US with the dirtiest (most coal-reliant) electric utility grids, the emissions from an a fully electric vehicle are still better than a 27 mpg sedan. Of course, some of the most efficient hybrids may tip that balance in the dirtiest regions; however, by charging up your EV with solar and wind you can ensure that the EV will come out on top!

So if you are in the market for a new vehicle, check out a list of the electric vehicles that are commercially available in the US today.

Cheers,

Sean