Which is Greener: Petrol or Electric Cars?

In the ongoing debate about the environmental impact of different types of vehicles, petrol and electric cars each have their proponents and critics. Neither one stands out as clearly superior in every aspect, and as such, the choice often comes down to a balance of factors including personal needs and local conditions.

All Things Considered...

It's important to recognize that the environmental impact of both petrol and electric cars isn't straightforward. While it is often suggested that electric cars are more efficient, there are significant gaps in the data that make it difficult to definitively state which is greener. Furthermore, internal combustion engines (ICEs) are becoming more efficient, while the materials and manufacturing processes for electric car components are still in their early stages. What happens when rare materials, such as lithium, for batteries become increasingly difficult and resource-intensive to extract in the future?

Lithium and the Future of Electric Cars

Lithium, one of the more abundant minerals on Earth, has been a key focusing point in the debate. Historically, lithium lacked widespread usage, leading to a relatively small mining industry. However, the rise of lithium-ion batteries has significantly increased demand. According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the global lithium production increased from 28,200 metric tons in 2015 to 67,000 metric tons in 2020. Despite this increase, lithium reserves are still quite plentiful, at least in terms of current known reserves.

Regarding the environmental impact of electric vehicles (EVs), an average EV includes about 8 kilos (18 lbs) of lithium. When the car reaches the end of its life, the lithium and other metals in the battery can be reused in new batteries, potentially reducing overall waste. On the other hand, the 10000 gallons (about 70000 lbs) of fuel burned over the life of a gas vehicle release exhaust gases into the atmosphere, which cannot be recovered.

Comparing Lifespans and Emissions

According to a study by Dr. David Reichmuth of the Union of Concerned Scientists, when considering the environmental impacts from sourcing raw materials through end-of-life projections, including sources of electrical generation and the impact of gasoline and diesel fuel creation, EVs were found to have less environmental impact over their life span than ICEs. Specifically, an EV breaks even with an ICE when it comes to production emissions after about 15000 miles. After this point, an EV will remain cleaner for the next 485000 miles, whereas a gasoline car will continue to pollute for around 185000 miles.

Environmental Impact and Misinformation

The debate is not without controversy. Some proprietary data has been shared from whistleblowers that suggest the relative burden of perpetuating misinformation about electric vehicles may reside with the petroleum industry. This underscores the importance of relying on data-driven studies rather than anecdotal responses or industry-backed claims.

Despite these complexities, it remains clear that electric cars have a lower environmental impact when considering their entire lifecycle, especially after these lifecycle emissions are factored in. Better yet, a zero-pollution vehicle that uses only solar energy for operation and leaves no pollution behind would be the most environmentally friendly option, theoretically achieving a recycling rating of 95.

Conclusion

The green credentials of electric cars versus petrol cars depend on a variety of factors, including the source of electricity, the efficiency of the electric vehicle, and the ongoing lifecycle impact. While petrol cars have historically had a greater environmental impact, EVs offer a cleaner approach, especially for longer-term use.

As technology advances and the energy sources for EVs become more sustainable, the case for electric vehicles as a greener choice will continue to strengthen. As for the future, it will be essential to ensure that the manufacturing and recycling processes for EV components are as environmentally friendly as possible, especially as demand for key materials like lithium continues to rise.