A recent study conducted by researchers from the University of Auckland and Xiamen University has raised significant questions regarding the environmental advantages of electric vehicles (EVs). Published in the journal Energy, the research suggests that the carbon footprint of EVs may be larger than previously thought when the electricity used to charge them is generated from fossil fuels.
The study analysed data spanning 15 years across 26 countries, aiming to understand the intricate relationship between human activities and carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions. Through a rigorous statistical approach, the researchers uncovered a concerning trend: an increase in EV adoption correlates with a rise in CO₂ emissions in several nations. This phenomenon occurs primarily in regions where electricity generation still heavily relies on burning fossil fuels such as coal and oil.
Associate Professor Stephen Poletti and Simon Tao, a doctoral candidate at the Business School’s Energy Centre, were key contributors to the research. They found that, contrary to popular belief, the global adoption of EVs has not led to a significant reduction in CO₂ emissions. “On the contrary, EV adoption is positively associated with CO₂ emissions," noted Tao. "This finding appears counterintuitive; it challenges the conventional belief that EVs contribute to decarbonisation."
For instance, when EVs are charged using electricity from coal-fired power plants, their net contribution to emissions may surpass that of contemporary gasoline or diesel vehicles. “In that case, they may indirectly contribute to higher emissions than modern gasoline or diesel vehicles, especially considering the entire lifecycle from production to disposal,” Poletti explained.
This study underlines the importance of evaluating the entire energy ecosystem in which electric vehicles operate, indicating that the environmental benefits of switching to EVs are inherently linked to the sources of electricity used for charging. As countries work towards reducing their carbon footprints, the findings bring to the forefront the complexities associated with energy production and consumption, suggesting that a holistic approach will be necessary to truly achieve decarbonisation in the transportation sector.
Source: Noah Wire Services