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The production of electric vehicles (EVs) is often seen as a green option, but it’s not entirely carbon-free. The manufacturing process of EVs, including the extraction of critical ores and the production of batteries, can emit a significant amount of greenhouse gases (GHGs). In fact, a study by MIT estimates that 15 tons of CO2 equivalent (tCO2e) are emitted per ton of lithium extracted, and the production of electric batteries can account for 2.5 to 16 tCO2e per year.
The carbon footprint of EVs is higher than that of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, with estimates ranging from 40% to 100% more CO2 emissions. However, once EVs are in use, they do not directly produce GHGs, unlike ICE vehicles.
The production of EVs also requires extensive energy from fossil fuels, including the setup of charging infrastructure and the recycling of batteries, which can consume a lot of energy and emit GHGs.
However, the long-term impact of EVs on the environment is promising, as they do not directly produce GHGs, unlike ICE vehicles. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that most EVs generate about 1.2 tCO2e per 18,500 km (annual average), while ICE cars generate about 5.7 tCO2e.
A 2023 report by Kearney, Polestar, and Rivian found that over a 16-year period, an average EV produces 39 tCO2e, while an electric hybrid generates 47 tCO2e, and an ICE vehicle generates 55 tCO2e. However, the report also notes that the decarbonization of the electricity production sector is crucial to reducing GHG emissions from EVs.
Global EV sales have grown 25% in 2024, but more needs to be done to meet decarbonization targets, such as NetZero by 2050. The report concludes that the manufacturing and supply chain would need to reduce GHG emissions by 81% by 2032 to stay on a 1.5-degree pathway. However, it’s unlikely that these variables will change quickly, making it challenging to achieve global decarbonization targets.