Electric cars ‘could increase carbon emissions’
November 12, 2009 by Infowars Ireland
Electric cars could increase carbon emissions, environmental group claims
Electric cars could lead an increase in carbon emissions, a green lobby group has claimed.
The Environmental Transport Association has called for the new generation of vehicles to carry meters to calculate how much electricity they are using.
A total of £250 million has been allocated by the Government to promote electric cars, much of which will be used to reduce the cost to the consumer by up to £5,000.
But the ETA – which describes itself as a “Green AA” – has voiced doubts about who much good they will do in a report published today.
Whilst the report is not intended to dampen enthusiasm for electric vehicles, their introduction should not be viewed as a panacea; significant changes to the way we produce and tax power are needed before we will reap any benefits.” said Andrew Davis, the Association’s director.
Electric cars will normally be plugged into the mains overnight to recharge the battery, although some models will also use a petrol engine to top up power during the day.
According to the report, the source of the electricity must also be taken into account when calculating the environmental benefit.
If there is a surge in popularity for the cars, demand for electricity from the national grid will increase.
“Even if the grid has the capacity and the basic infrastructure to meet the needs of electric cars, the new demand patterns they will create may mean greater use of coal and nuclear power,” the report argues.
Coal-fired power stations are now regarded as one of the biggest sources of carbon emissions.
Even if a car uses electricity rather than petrol, it must be fuel efficient for genuine environmental benefit, the report continues. Read more…
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Actually, this “study” is faulty on many levels. They assume the grid will continue to be mostly coal when the trend is clearly moving away from coal to renewables.
Lots of studies have looked at the CO2 generated by charging an EV from the U.S. grid and found in very case that much less CO2 was generated compared to a gas burner until you got to about 90% coal. At that point, you are about even on CO2.
However, there are only a handful of states that have a grid mix that high in coal. In every other state, it’s much cleaner to go electric.
Other benefits include keeping our money domestic since 60% of our oil is imported.
Then there’s the national security aspect of giving money to our enemies for their oil.
The electrics are coming next year. Best to welcome them since they will make your life better.