Electric cars are more sustainable than combustion cars in less time than you think

A recent study concludes that an electric car drastically reduces its environmental impact and outperforms a petrol car after only two years of use.

The question of whether an electric car pollutes more or less than a conventional one finally has a clear answer thanks to the recent study by Duke University, published in the journal PLOS Climate. Road transport accounts for about a third of greenhouse gas emissions and, although there has always been debate about the real footprint of battery-powered cars due to the impact of their manufacture, the most recent data settle the matter: in just two years of use, an electric car has already reduced its cumulative emissions compared to a thermal car.

The first two years make the difference

During the first 24 months of use, electric vehicles generate approximately 30% more CO2 emissions than gasoline vehicles, mainly due to lithium extraction and battery manufacturing, an energy-intensive industry. However, from that moment on, the balance begins to tilt clearly in favour of electric cars, as their daily use implies much lower emissions thanks to the efficiency of the engine and the electricity consumed, especially if it comes from renewable sources.

Continue reading news in El Periódico de la Energía