Introduction
Dive into the truth and Electric vehicles Myths. Myth #1 confronts the belief that power plant emissions make EVs worse for the environment than gasoline cars. Discover how the environmental impact of EVs stacks up, exploring factors like electricity sources and emissions. Join us on a myth-busting journey through battery manufacturing concerns, grid overload fears, and more, empowering you with insights into the sustainable reality of electric transportation. Charge up your knowledge on EVs, dispelling myths one truth at a time.
Myth # 1: Power plant emissions make electric vehicles worse for the environment compared to gasoline cars.
FACT: Generally, electric vehicles have a smaller environmental impact than gasoline cars, even when considering the electricity used for charging.
Electric vehicles (EVs) do not produce emissions from their tailpipes. However, the process of generating electricity for charging EVs can contribute to carbon pollution. The level of pollution varies depending on the source of local power generation, such as coal or natural gas (which emit carbon) versus renewable sources like wind or solar (which do not). Despite accounting for these electricity-related emissions, studies indicate that EVs typically produce lower levels of greenhouse gases (GHGs) compared to the average new gasoline car.
Furthermore, if more renewable energy sources like wind and solar are used for electricity generation, the overall GHG emissions associated with EVs could be even lower. (Renewable energy will become the second most prevalent source of electricity in the United States in 2020.) To learn more about the electricity production in your region, you can visit the EPA’s Power Profiler interactive web page. By entering your zip code, you can find information about the energy mix in your area.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Department of Energy (DOE) have developed a valuable tool called the Beyond Tailpipe Emissions Calculator. This resource enables you to estimate the greenhouse gas emissions generated by charging and operating an electric vehicle (EV) or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) in your specific area. By selecting a particular EV or PHEV model and entering your zip code, you can compare the CO2 emissions of these vehicles with those of a gasoline-powered car. This tool helps you make an informed decision about transitioning to a more environmentally friendly mode of transportation.
Myth # 2: Electric vehicles are worse for the climate than gasoline cars because of battery manufacturing.
FACT: The greenhouse gas emissions associated with an Electric Vehicle Myths over its lifetime are typically lower than those from an average gasoline-powered vehicle, even when accounting for manufacturing.
Some studies have shown that making a typical EV can create more carbon pollution than making a gasoline car. This is because of the additional energy required to manufacture an EV’s battery. Still, over the lifetime of the vehicle, total GHG emissions associated with manufacturing, charging, and driving an EV are typically lower than the total GHGs associated with a gasoline car. That’s because EVs have zero tailpipe emissions and are typically responsible for significantly fewer GHGs during operation (see Myth 1 above).
At Argonne National Laboratory, researchers compared the emissions of a gasoline-powered vehicle and an electric vehicle (EV) with a 300-mile range. They found that while the EV has higher emissions during production and disposal (represented by the orange section), its overall emissions are still lower than those of the gasoline car.
A graphical comparison of the greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) associated with the lifecycle of an electric vehicle (EV) and a gasoline-powered car is displayed through bar charts. These estimates, sourced from GREET 2 2021, are intended to provide a general illustration, rather than an exact representation. The data used is based on model year 2020, and it’s important to note that emissions can vary depending on various factors such as the specific vehicles being compared, EV battery size and chemistry, vehicle lifespan, and the electricity grid used for EV recharging.
Above, the blue bar represents emissions associated with the battery. The orange bars encompass the rest of the vehicle manufacturing (e.g., extracting materials, manufacturing and assembling other parts, and vehicle assembly) and end-of-life (recycling or disposal). The grey bars represent upstream emissions associated with producing gasoline or electricity (U.S. mix), and the yellow bar shows tailpipe emissions during vehicle operations
Myth #3: The increase in electric vehicles entering the market will collapse the U.S. power grid.
FACT: Another Electric vehicle Myths is having a charging strategies that can prevent overloading the grid, and, in some cases, support grid reliability.
Recycling EV batteries can reduce the emissions associated with making an EV by reducing the need for new materials. While some challenges exist today, research is ongoing to improve the process and rate of EV battery recycling. For more information on EV battery development and recycling, visit:
The U.S. Department of Energy’s ReCell Center has published a report, the National Blueprint for Lithium Batteries, 2021-2030, in which they address a common misconception about electric vehicles (EVs) and their impact on the power grid. Contrary to popular belief, the increased number of EVs on the road will not necessarily cause the grid to collapse. In fact, with the implementation of smart charging strategies, EVs can actually support grid reliability and help prevent overloading. The key factors in determining the impact of EVs on the grid are the level of power and time of day when vehicles are charged, as well as the potential for vehicle-to-grid (V2G) charging.
EVs can be charged at off-peak times, such as overnight, when rates are often cheaper. Even with a mix of charging times (so not all nighttime charging), research indicates that sufficient capacity will exist to cover EVs entering the market in the coming years.4 And further down the road, when renewables make up a larger part of our energy mix in many regions, switching to more daytime charging (when some renewables like solar generate energy) with some energy storage capability should allow the grid to handle increases in EV charging.5 California leads the country with more than 1 million electric vehicles and EV charging currently makes up less than 1% of the state’s grid total load, even during peak hours.6.
Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) charging allows EVs to act as a power source that may help with grid reliability by pushing energy back to the grid from an EV battery. This is done by allowing EVs to charge when electricity demand is low and drawing on them when that demand is high.
Long term, higher electricity demand from EV growth may drive the need for upgrades to transmission and distribution infrastructure. Planning for this possibility is underway. The Department of Energy’s (DOE) Build a Better Grid Initiative, launched as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will provide over $13 billion towards improving the reliability and efficiency of the grid over the next decade. Visit DOE’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Programs and search “grid infrastructure” to see where the initial investments will be made.
Myth# 4: Nowhere to charge.
FACT: Electric vehicles can be connected to the same type of plug as your toaster! When you require a charge while traveling, there are over 51,000 public stations available in the United States.
Many individuals can fulfill their driving requirements by only plugging in at home. Most EVs can be charged using a regular 120 Volt (Level 1) plug. To hasten the charging process, you can have a dedicated 240 Volt (Level 2) plug or charging system installed. Additionally, for individuals residing in apartments or condominiums, EV charging stations are becoming increasingly common as a building amenity.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has triggered a substantial boost in the availability of EV charging facilities, with the government investing up to $7.5 billion to create a comprehensive network of electric vehicle charging stations along highways, as well as in communities and neighborhoods. Recently, the White House announced considerable progress towards establishing a nationwide network of made-in-America EV chargers, as part of this initiative.
Curious about the number of chargers required in your region? Utilize the DOE’s EV Pro Lite Tool to obtain an approximation of charging requirements in your state or urban area as the adoption of electric vehicles increases.
For up-to-date information on EV charging locations in USA, visit DOE’s Alternative Fuel Data Center.
Myth # 5: Electric vehicles don’t have enough range to handle daily travel demands.
FACT: Electric vehicle range is more than enough for typical daily use in the U.S.
EVs have sufficient range to cover a typical household’s daily travel, which is approximately 50 miles on average per day.7 The majority of households (roughly 85%) travel under 100 miles on a typical day. Most EV models go above 200 miles on a fully-charged battery, with nearly all new models traveling more than 100 miles on a single charge. And automakers have announced plans to release even more long-range models in the coming years.
You can find the estimated range of certain electric vehicles by using the Find A Car feature on www.fueleconomy.gov. Simply select the car you are interested in and look at the “EPA Fuel Economy” information in the table.
The efficiency of an electric vehicle (EV) can be impacted by various factors, including the driver’s behavior and the weather conditions. For example, studies have shown that the average range of an EV can decrease by around 40% in cold temperatures, especially when the heating system is in use.
Myth # 6: Electric vehicles only come as sedans.
FACT: Electric vehicles now come in a variety of shapes and sizes.
EVs and PHEVs are now available in many vehicle classes, extending beyond small sedan/compact models. There are currently more than 50 PHEV and EV models on the market. More models are being released in the coming years, so vehicle class options are likely to expand.
Myth # 7: Electric vehicles are not as safe as comparable gasoline vehicles.
FACT: Electric vehicles must meet the same safety standards as conventional vehicles.
All light duty cars and trucks sold in the United States must meet the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. To meet these standards, vehicles must undergo an extensive, long-established testing process, regardless of whether the vehicle operates on gasoline or electricity. Separately, EV battery packs must meet their own testing standards. Moreover, EVs are designed with additional safety features that shut down the electrical system when they detect a collision or short circuit.
Conclusion
In Conclusion, electric vehicles (EVs) outperform gasoline cars in environmental impact and safety. Power plant emissions and battery manufacturing, often cited as drawbacks, are outweighed by lower lifetime greenhouse gas emissions in EVs. Concerns about the power grid are addressed by smart charging strategies and vehicle-to-grid technology. Charging infrastructure is robust, with over 51,000 public stations in the U.S., and a $7.5 billion investment is expanding this network. EV range is sufficient for daily use, covering over 200 miles on average. EVs come in various shapes, dispelling the myth of being limited to sedans. Safety standards for EVs match conventional vehicles, with added safety features. These facts debunk common myths and highlight the sustainability and safety of electric vehicles.