Connect with us

Published

4 years ago

on

An electric vehicle charging point in Stoke-on-Trent, England.
Nathan Stirk | Getty Images News | Getty Images

The number of electric vehicles on the world’s roads is surging, hitting a record number last year.

That would seem to be good news, as the world tries to wean itself off fossil fuels that are wrecking the global climate. But as electric cars become more popular, some question just how environmentally friendly they are.

The batteries in electric vehicles, for example, charge on power that is coming straight off the electric grid — which is itself often powered by fossil fuels. And there are questions about how energy-intensive it is to build an EV or an EV battery, versus building a comparable traditional vehicle.

Are electric vehicles greener?

The short answer is yes — but their full green potential is still many years away.

Experts broadly agree that electric vehicles create a lower carbon footprint over the course of their lifetime than do cars and trucks that use traditional, internal combustion engines.

Last year, researchers from the universities of Cambridge, Exeter and Nijmegen in The Netherlands found that in 95% of the world, driving an electric car is better for the environment than driving a gasoline-powered car.

Electricity grids in most of the world are still powered by fossil fuels such as coal or oil, and EVs depend on that energy to get charged. Separately, EV battery production remains an energy-intensive process.

Producing electric vehicles leads to significantly more emissions than producing petrol cars … which is mostly from the battery production.
Florian Knobloch
Cambridge Centre for Environment, Energy and Natural Resource Governance

A study from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Energy Initiative found that the battery and fuel production for an EV generates higher emissions than the manufacturing of an automobile. But those higher environmental costs are offset by EVs’ superior energy efficiency over time.

In short, the total emissions per mile for battery-powered cars are lower than comparable cars with internal combustion engines.

“If we are going to take a look at the current situation, in some countries, electric vehicles are better even with the current grid,” Sergey Paltsev, a senior research scientist at the MIT Energy Initiative and one of the study’s authors, told CNBC.

Paltsev explained that the full benefits of EVs will be realized only after the electricity sources become renewable, and it might take several decades for that to happen.

“Currently, the electric vehicle in the U.S., on average, would emit about 200 grams of CO2 per mile,” he said. “We are projecting that with cleaning up the grid, we can reduce emissions from electric vehicles by 75%, from about 200 (grams) today to about 50 grams of CO2 per mile in 2050.”

Similarly, Paltsev said MIT research showed non-plug-in hybrid cars with internal combustion engines currently emit about 275 grams of CO2 per mile. In 2050, their projected emissions are expected to be between 160 to 205 grams of CO2 per mile — the range is wider than EVs, because fuel standards vary from place to place.

Decarbonization is the process of reducing greenhouse gas emission produced by the burning fossil fuels. Efforts to cut down pollution across various industries are expected to further reduce the environmental impact of EV production and charging over time.

“When you look forward to the rest of the decade, where we will see massive amounts of decarbonization in power generation and massive amount of decarbonization in the industrial sector, EVs will benefit from all of that decarbonization,” Eric Hannon, a Frankfurt-based partner at McKinsey & Company, told CNBC.

Batteries are the biggest emitter

EVs rely on rechargeable lithium-ion batteries to run. The process of making those batteries — from using mining raw materials like cobalt and lithium, to production in gigafactories and transportation — is energy-intensive, and one of the biggest sources of carbon emissions from EVs today, experts said.

Gigafactories are facilities that produce EV batteries on a large scale.

“Producing electric vehicles leads to significantly more emissions than producing petrol cars. Depending on the country of production, that’s between 30% to 40% extra in production emissions, which is mostly from the battery production,” said Florian Knobloch, a fellow at the Cambridge Centre for Environment, Energy and Natural Resource Governance.

Those higher production emission numbers are seen as “an initial investment, which pays off rather quickly due to the reduced lifetime emissions.”

China currently dominates battery production, with 93 gigafactories producing lithium-ion battery cells versus only four in the U.S., the Washington Post reported this year.

“I think the battery is the most complicated component in the EV, and has the most complex supply chain,” George Crabtree, director of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Joint Center for Energy Storage Research, told CNBC, adding that the energy source used in battery production makes a huge difference on the carbon footprint for EVs.

Batteries made in older gigafactories in China are usually powered by fossil fuels, because that was the trend five to 10 years ago, he explained. So, EVs that are built with batteries from existing factories

But that’s changing, he said, as “people have realized that’s a huge carbon footprint.”

Experts pointed to other considerations around battery production.

They include unethical and environmentally unsustainable mining practices, as well as a complex geopolitical nature of the supply chain, where countries do not want to rely on other nations for raw materials like cobalt and lithium, or the finished batteries.

Mining raw materials needed for battery production will likely be the last to get decarbonized, according to Crabtree.

Recycling and decarbonizing the grid

Today, very few of the spent battery cells are recycled.

Experts said that can change over time as raw materials needed for battery production are in limited supply, leaving firms with no choice but to recycle.

McKinsey’s Hannon outlined other reasons for companies to step by their recycling efforts. They include a regulatory environment where producers, by law, would have to deal with spent batteries — and disposing them could be more expensive.

“People who point to a lack of a recycling infrastructure as a problem aren’t recognizing that we don’t need extensive recycling infrastructure yet because the cars are so new, we’re not needing many back,” he said.

Most auto companies are already working to ensure they have significant recycling capacity in place before EVs start reaching the end of life over the next decade, he added.

It’s not silver bullet for climate change mitigation. Ideally, you also try to reduce the number of cars massively, and try to push things such as public transport
Florian Knobloch
Cambridge Centre for Environment, Energy and Natural Resource Governance

Knobloch from Cambridge University said a lot of research is going into improving battery technology, to make them more environmentally sustainable and less reliant on scarce raw materials. More efforts are also needed in decarbonizing the electricity grid, he added.

“It’s very important that more renewable electricity generation capacity is added to the grid each year, than coal generation capacity,” Knobloch said.

“Nowadays, it’s much easier to build large scale solar or offshore wind compared to building new fossil fuel power plant. What we see is more renewable electricity coming into the grid all over the world.”

Still, he pointed out that generating electricity by using renewable sources will still emit greenhouse gases as there are emissions from producing the solar panels and wind turbines. “What we look at is how long will it take until the electricity grid is sufficiently decarbonized so that you see large benefit from electric vehicles,” Knobloch added.

Policies needed for societal change

Experts agree that a transition from gasoline-powered cars to EVs is not a panacea for the global fight against climate change.

It needs to go hand-in-hand with societal change that promotes greater use of public transportation and alternative modes of travel, including bicycles and walking.

Reducing the use of private vehicles requires plenty of funding and policy planning.

MIT’s Paltsev, who is also deputy director at the university’s joint program on the science and policy of global change, explained that there are currently about 1.2 billion fuel-powered cars on the road globally –that number is expected to increase to between 1.8 billion to 2 billion.

In comparison, there are only about 10 million electric vehicles currently.

People underestimate how many new cars have to be produced and how much materials will be needed to produce those electric vehicles, Paltsev said.

The International Energy Agency predicts that the number of electric cars, buses, vans and heavy trucks on roads is expected to hit 145 million by 2030.

Even if everyone drove EVs instead of gasoline-powered cars, there would still be plenty of emissions from the plug-in vehicles due to their sheer volume, according to Knobloch.

“So, it’s not silver bullet for climate change mitigation. Ideally, you also try to reduce the number of cars massively, and try to push things such as public transport,” he said. “Getting people away from individual car transport is as important.”

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

Environment

The new Aventon Pace 4 is getting closer to a theft-proof electric bike

Published

2 hours ago

on

April 18, 2025

By

The new Aventon Pace 4 is getting closer to a theft-proof electric bike

Aventon has officially announced its latest electric bicycle, the Pace 4, adding advanced smart bike technology and enhanced rider comfort to its popular line of urban-friendly e-bikes. The Pace 4 builds upon Aventon’s successful formula of accessibility and ease of use, now augmented with new connectivity and security features that make it harder to steal and easier to get back.

At the heart of the Pace 4 is Aventon’s latest innovation: the Aventon Control Unit (ACU). The ACU significantly upgrades the bike’s intelligence and security capabilities, bringing GPS tracking, geofencing, and remote locking to the Pace 4.

With the addition of the ACU, riders gain the ability to monitor their bike’s location in real-time, set virtual boundaries that trigger alerts if the bike leaves a specified area, and remotely lock the rear wheel, helping to improve security and peace of mind. A startup passcode can also be enabled to further improve theft deterrence, ensuring the bike can only be activated by authorized users.

The remote locking and passcode can help deter some theft, but the GPS tracking makes it easier to get the bike back if it ever does find itself in the wrong hands. The GPS feature and the 4G data communication both require a 4G data subscription, which is provided complimentary for one year at the time of purchase.

Advertisement – scroll for more content

Of course, there’s no such thing as a theft-proof bicycle, but these types of smart features help riders get closer to that goal. Plus, as bike thieves become more aware of which e-bikes include built-in GPS or other theft deterrence features, hopefully those models will become less attractive targets.

The Pace 4 doesn’t only upgrade its intelligence. Its performance and comfort have also received their own improvements.

Powered by a 500W rear hub motor rated for a peak output of 864 watts and 60 Nm of torque, the Pace 4 provides decent power for smooth urban commuting and enjoyable leisure rides. According to Aventon, riders can expect consistent and reliable performance across various terrains and riding conditions.

It may not match the 750W continuous-rated motors we often see in the North American market, which usually output peak power in the low four figures of watts, but it should still provide good power and climbing performance on moderate hills.

The Pace 4 features a 36V 20Ah battery, which Aventon states can deliver a range of up to 70 miles (112 km) when ridden in ECO mode. Of course, few people actually ride solely in the lowest power mode, and so the real-world range is likely to be somewhat lower – especially for riders who make ample use of the throttle. But with just over 720 Wh of battery capacity, the Pace 4 is likely still ideal for extended city commutes, recreational rides, and weekend exploring. And with the included torque sensor, the pedal assist is more responsive, giving riders more reason to let go of the throttle and enjoy the pedal assist performance.

The 27.5×2.1″ urban tires will be most at home on pavement but can likely still handle fairly smooth trails. Whether for daily commuting or leisurely outings, the bike seems outfitted for a variety of use cases.

The Pace 4 lacks traditional suspension but the bike does include a suspension seat post offering 2 inches (50mm) of travel. This feature absorbs shocks and vibrations from rough roads, preventing them from traveling up through the saddle and into the rider’s rear, enhancing the riding experience. Complementing this is an ergonomic handlebar design aimed at promoting a relaxed, upright riding posture, reducing rider fatigue on longer trips and increasing overall comfort.

Neither of these can replace true front or rear suspension, but they go a decent way toward adding more comfort to the ride.

Aventon has also emphasized accessibility with the Pace 4. It features a step-through frame design that makes getting on and off the bike much easier than swinging a leg over the rear, helping the bike cater to riders of all ages and abilities. Available in two frame sizes and three colors of Flint, Mica, and Blue Steel (grey, black, and light blue), the Pace 4 also offers a bit of variation to help riders dial in the size and style closer to their tastes.

Priced at $1,799, the Pace 4 is entering the market at a time when new tariffs are hammering e-bike prices. The model is now available for purchase through Aventon’s official website and Aveneton’s wide network of authorized dealers.

Electrek’s Take

The new Aventon Pace 4 sticks with the company’s recent drive to push the boundaries of e-bike technology, combining smart connectivity, enhanced security features, modest performance, and some nods toward comfort. I’d imagine the bike would appeal to a broad range of riders if it wasn’t for the price, which feels fairly high to me. Plus, the base model doesn’t include a rack, fenders, or other commuter staples that will only elevate the price further. That being said, the Pace 4 launches at a time when e-bike prices are expected to arrive across the board, either slightly for models built in various Asian countries or significantly for models built in China.

But ignoring the price (as hard as that may be), I do like what I see here. It’s hard to compare to Class 3 e-bikes with more powerful 48V systems, but this isn’t designed to compete with those models. It’s a more modest, easier-going model. But for its intended audience, it comes with some nice features that we don’t often see elsewhere.

I really hope features like built-in tracking become more common across the board, as they’re hugely valuable for riders.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Continue Reading

Environment

400 kW DC fast charging On The Run arrives in Canada – and it’s FREE!

Published

10 hours ago

on

April 18, 2025

By

400 kW DC fast charging On The Run arrives in Canada – and it's FREE!

British Columbia got its first 400 kW DC fast charger last week at Canadian C-store chain On The Run, but that’s not the good part. As part of a limited time offer, these chargers are FREE!

The Canadian convenience store chain just took the wraps off its new, ABB-developed, 400 kW chargers earlier this month, but they’re already planning to bring the ultra-fast 400 kW dispensers to at least four more locations in BC this spring, and have them online just in time for the summer road trip season – something On The Run hopes its customers will appreciate.

“The A400 charger delivers an enhanced customer experience, with reliability and performance from a 32-inch screen to higher power charging sessions and power sharing,” reads the company’s official announcement, via LinkedIn. “Download the Journie Rewards app to start the charge – free for a limited time.”

On The Run’s new 400 kW ABB DC fast chargers are compatible with CCS and CHAdeMO plugs, and can accommodate Tesla and other NACS-equipped vehicles with an adapter. That said, the company seems to imply that Tesla drivers in particular will have a maximum charging speed of “just” 50 kW, which feel hilarious (given the current state of affairs between Tesla and the Canadian government), but probably isn’t.

Advertisement – scroll for more content

In addition to the ABB A400 400 kW units shown here, On The Run locations also employ the ABB Terra 184 dispensers rated at 180 kW. On The Run plans similar deployments at the four BC locations mentioned above, as well as two more each in Quebec and Ontario slated to go live towards the end of this year.

Electrek’s Take

Tesla’s controversial CEO Elon Musk once mocked 350 kW charging speed as being “for a child’s toy,” despite the fact that, nearly nine years later, his own cars and Superchargers can barely make it to 325 kW while others have sailed right on past. I made fun of that fact on the Quick Charge episode shown, above – and, while I do think it’s funny and relevant, the much more relevant piece of news here is that companies like BP Pulse, Revel, and Wallbox are actively deploying 400 kW solutions, today (while others hit the same mark as far back as 2017).

It’s just a fact: Tesla has fallen way behind.

SOURCE | IMAGES: On The Run, via Electric Autonomy.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Continue Reading

Environment

Terawatt opens its first electric charging truck stop in California

Published

12 hours ago

on

April 17, 2025

By

Terawatt opens its first electric charging truck stop in California

Terawatt charging truck stop
Photo: Terawatt

Terawatt Infrastructure‘s first medium- and heavy-duty electric charging truck stop in California is now online, in Rancho Dominguez.

Located 12 miles north of the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles, the private Rancho Dominguez site, which is shared among multiple fleets, will support electric trucking fleet operations in and out of the largest container ports in the US.

First customers include Dreaded Trucking, Hight Logistics, PepsiCo, Quick Container Drayage, Southern Counties Express, Tradelink Transport, and WestCoast Trucking & Warehousing.

Terawatt’s electric charging truck stop features 20 pull-through and bobtail DC fast charging stalls with a capacity of 7 megawatts (MW), enabling charging for up to 125 trucks per day using a simple reservations system. Terawatt’s site features a proprietary charge management system, in-house technicians, 24/7 customer service, and onsite parts management.

Advertisement – scroll for more content

“This launch underscores growing collaboration between enterprises, shippers, carriers, and charging infrastructure providers to advance sustainable technologies across logistics and transportation operations, especially in the medium and heavy-duty sectors,” said Neha Palmer, CEO and cofounder of Terawatt. Palmer added that the company will bring another charging site online in Rialto, California, in June.

Terawatt joined some of the world’s largest shippers and carriers in September 2024 to launch the I-10 Consortium heavy-duty EV operations pilot, the “first-ever US over-the-road electrified corridor.” Terawatt is providing charging infrastructure, including software, operations, and maintenance support at six of its owned charging hubs along the I-10 corridor.

If you live in an area that has frequent natural disaster events, and are interested in making your home more resilient to power outages, consider going solar and adding a battery storage system. To make sure you find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. They have hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and share your phone number with them.

Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisers to help you every step of the way. Get started here. –trusted affiliate link*

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Continue Reading

Trending