The truth about electric cars - are they really green?

The relative merits of electric or hybrid versus traditional combustion engines has become a pretty divisive argument. On the one hand, the 'green defenders' point out that in a world fast running out of fossil fuels and suffering from high levels of pollution, zero emissions electric cars are the transportation method of the future. As motoring websites like Car Finance 247 has reported recently, electric car sales have reached an all-time high. On the other hand, sceptics point out that electric vehicles still produce emissions if they use carbon generated electricity to recharge and that the manufacturing process for green cars is just as carbon profligate as that of traditional combustion engine vehicles, if not more so. As usual, the truth probably lies in the shades of grey between the two arguments.

It's all about the fuel

An electric car does not produce any emissions of its own whilst running. However, the same cars have to be recharged - and where does the electricity used to load up those batteries come from? It usually comes from national power grids. Therefore, in countries heavily dependent on burning fossil fuels to operate their national grid, the so called environmentally friendly electric car is indirectly also using fossil fuel and creating the attendant pollution. Whilst a world full of electric cars may result in cleaner streets, thanks to the lack of exhaust fumes, most drivers are still dependent upon fossil fuels to power them, albeit one step removed from the process.

The balance shifts, however, if those same electric cars source their battery power from renewable energy - a solar powered domestic system, for example. Whilst this is rarely the case at the moment, as few domestic solar set ups are comprehensive enough to provide the power needed, it would be the solution to the problem. As national grids move away from fossil fuels and towards more environmentally friendly, renewable energy sources, the emissions and pollution will be reduced at the source and electric cars can legitimately regain their green credentials.

Whilst there is, therefore, an argument against the environmental friendliness of electric vehicles, they remain cheaper to run than combustion engine powered cars. Quite simply, domestic electricity costs less than petrol or diesel. Furthermore, with fewer consumables and components to wear, electric cars are easier, cheaper and greener to maintain as well as use. One could really stretch that argument by pointing out also that domestic electricity comes from a local grid, compared to internationally imported fuel, whilst using the local national grid supports the local economy and provides employment in the area.

Among other arguments for and against electric vehicles is the point that the savings made in running costs don't go far enough to mitigate the extra initial purchase price. Certainly the average electric vehicle list price commands a premium over the traditional alternative, but prices will gradually reach a comparable level. As the market grows, and the automotive industry appears determined to make this happen, with all the major manufacturers investing in new electric and hybrid technology, electric vehicles will only become more accessible.

In conclusion

In effect, the principle behind electric vehicles is sound, but the execution is flawed at this stage. When societal power usage relies more on renewable energy than fossil fuels, there will be a completely different argument to make.