Are EVs Good for the Planet?

The best way to travel for the sake of the planet is to walk, cycle or take public transport, but for many of us, travelling by car is hard to avoid. So, is it better to go electric? Or should we stick with petrol or diesel? Looking at the research on this topic, it’s very clear to me that driving an EV is significantly better for the planet than using a petrol or diesel vehicle.

Over the course of its lifetime, an EV bought and driven in the UK generates around one-quarter of the carbon dioxide emissions of a similar petrol or diesel vehicle. Importantly, this statistic takes account of its whole lifecycle, including raw mineral extraction, vehicle production, battery manufacturing, usage/charging, and battery recycling. (Source: The Faraday Institution)

Also, in the UK the emissions associated with charging an EV are set to decrease further over the next few years as more of our electricity is generated from renewable sources.

As well as lower carbon emissions, EVs have no exhaust fumes, which dramatically reduces harmful local pollutants like nitrogen oxides, sulphur dioxide and particulates, improving air quality in our village and town centres and alongside our busier roads.

Whilst there are human rights issues associated with the mining of cobalt used in EV batteries, there are similar issues associated with producing fossil fuels. As Christians, we should do what we can to address these, but they should not stop us from taking the urgent action needed to minimise global warming, which will have a larger impact on human rights, and so much more.