🔋⚡ I stumbled upon an insightful chart by Steven Bragg that sheds light on the environmental nuances of Electric Vehicles (EVs). Based on the comparison of a petrol powered Volvo to its electric counterpart, it’s a compelling visual that simplifies a complex narrative - EVs are part of the environmental solution, not the complete answer. And importantly, this view helps us remain realistic when solving the climate crisis and therefore focus on what matters most.
Key Takeaways:
- The environmental cost of EVs is front-loaded due to battery production. Larger batteries amplify this initial impact.
- An EV that’s purchased but rarely driven has a greater environmental toll than a petrol car that’s also underutilised.
- Charging an EV with a “dirty” energy grid? It may take around 150,000 km to reach an emissions breakeven point with Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles. Considering the average car in Australia clocks in around 125,000 km over its lifespan, this is a pivotal figure.
- The silver lining? When charged with renewable energy, an EV can offset its initial environmental impact in just 50,000 km.
Remember, this chart is a momentary capture, dependent on variables like vehicle efficiency, battery size, and energy mix - all changing rapidly.
But here’s the good news:
- Our grid is on a green trajectory - the leap from 10% to 32% renewable energy since the early 2000s is testament to that. For Tasmanians, with 98% renewable grid today, the breakeven can occur as early as 4 years of ownership.
- Many public charging stations are renewably powered or offset their emissions through green energy purchases.
- Many EV owners are going solar on their roofs, slashing their charging costs and reducing their dependence on the grid.
- EV batteries have a second life in grid storage and can be re-manufactured with 70% fewer emissions compared to their original production.
- And finally, battery recycling is reaching 95% efficiency, bringing us closer to the reality of circular economy in transportation.
The bottom line is this: EVs alone aren’t the magic bullet for our environmental challenges. However, they are an integral component as our energy grid greens and manufacturing processes become more sustainable - something unattainable with ICE.
At evee, we're committed advancing this transition by maximising the utilisation of EVs that are already on the road and collaborating with renewable energy partners to promote more solar, hydro, and wind-powered charging.
Full article: https://lnkd.in/gtfJrgPs
#ElectricVehicles #Sustainability #RenewableEnergy #CircularEconomy #CleanTech
Sales and Marketing Manager у Finbloom [LION}
2wFrom a book seller to changing the world