Electric Cars Now 73% Cleaner Than Petrol Cars, Study Finds

Battery electric cars (BEVs) in Europe now produce 73% less carbon emissions over their lifetime than petrol cars. That’s according to a new report by the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT).

The group compared emissions from making, using, and charging BEVs with emissions from petrol, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid cars.

The results showed BEVs are much cleaner overall. Plug-in hybrids and standard hybrids only cut emissions by 30% and 20%, mostly because many owners don’t use the electric mode often.

Cleaner Energy Speeds Things Up

One reason BEVs are showing such a big drop in emissions is because electricity in Europe is getting cleaner. By 2025, the share of renewables in the EU’s power grid is expected to reach 56%. In 2020, it was just 38%.

This change makes BEVs even better for the environment compared to older power systems that used more coal and gas.

Marta Vicent Negri, who worked on the report, said BEVs are “getting cleaner faster than we expected” and that they “outperform all other technologies, including hybrids and plug-in hybrids.”

The transport sector is still the top source of carbon emissions in the EU. Passenger cars are responsible for about 72% of that. The study says cutting these emissions will only be possible if all new cars go fully electric.

Some lawmakers in the EU are now thinking about softening emissions rules for carmakers. The ICCT warns this could slow down progress. The data shows that only BEVs are on track to meet climate goals.

Hybrids Not Enough

The report is clear about hybrid models. Though often seen as a cleaner choice, they’re not cutting emissions nearly enough. Many drivers don’t plug in their vehicles often, and some don’t at all.

The ICCT says the goal should be full electrification. Anything less will make it hard for Europe to meet its targets.

By 2030, BEVs are expected to produce 79% fewer emissions than petrol cars. By 2050, that number could rise to 86%.

The findings support strong policies that push for 100% electric vehicle sales. The group says this is the only way to make real progress on climate.

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