1. Home
  2. Electric Vehicles
  3. Lifetime Carbon Emissions of Electric Vehicles Versus Gasoline Cars
Lifetime Carbon Emissions of Electric Vehicles Versus Gasoline Cars

Lifetime Carbon Emissions of Electric Vehicles Versus Gasoline Cars

0
0

Data generated by an Argonne National Laboratory model was analyzed in a media report to determine at what point a typical electric vehicle (EV) becomes cleaner than an equivalent gasoline car in terms of its lifetime carbon footprint.

Based on a series of assumptions, the data showed that a Tesla Model 3 in the United States, for example, would need to be driven for 13,500 miles (21,725 km) before it does less harm to the environment than a Toyota Corolla.

Following are the assumptions Reuters plugged into the Argonne model to produce different break-even scenarios, depending on how the power used to charge an EV is generated.

MID-SIZE SALOON

Tesla Model 3 (EV) vs Toyota Corolla (gasoline)

Lifetime vehicle miles traveled: 173,151

Fuel economy (gasoline): 33 miles per gallon (U.S.)

Curb weight: Model 3 – 3,582 lbs (1,625 kg), Corolla – 2,955 lbs

EV battery range: 300 miles

EV battery type: Lithium-ion

EV battery size: 54 kilowatt-hours (kWh)

EV battery cathode material: nickel-cobalt-aluminium (NCA)

Power scenario 1: 100% hydroelectric

Break-even point: 8,400 miles

Power scenario 2: U.S. average energy mix (23% coal-fired, plus other fossil fuels and renewables)

Break-even point: 13,500 miles

Power scenario 3: 100% coal-fired

Break-even point: 8,400 miles

Power scenario 2: U.S. average energy mix (23% coal-fired, plus other fossil fuels and renewables)

Break-even point: 13,500 miles

Power scenario 3: 100% coal-fired

Break-even point: 78,700 miles

MID-SIZE SPORT UTILITY VEHICLE (SUV)

Tesla Model Y (EV) vs Honda CR-V (gasoline)

Lifetime vehicle miles traveled: 183,363

Fuel economy (gasoline): 30 miles per gallon (U.S.)

Curb weight: Model Y – 4,416 lbs, CR-V – 3,337 lbs

EV battery range: 300 miles

EV battery type: Lithium-ion

EV battery size: 60 kWh

EV battery cathode material: nickel-cobalt-aluminium (NCA)

Power scenario 1: 100% hydroelectric

Break-even point: 9,200 miles

Power scenario 2: U.S. average energy mix (23% coal-fired, plus other fossil fuels and renewables)

Break-even point: 14,800 miles

Power scenario 3: 100% coal-fired

Break-even point: 89,000 miles

Source: Reuters

Anand Gupta Editor - EQ Int'l Media Network