One of the interesting aspects when first observing a battery electric vehicle (BEV) is the absence of an exhaust pipe.

This notable exclusion is an obvious clue as to why they offer significant environmental benefits compared to internal combustion engine (ICE) cars – they do not emit CO2 or other noxious substances that pollute the atmosphere and impact public health.

However, ‘tailpipe’ emissions are only part of the answer.

Let's look at the key issues and discover why moving to electric vehicles will be a significant benefit to the environment, including how EVs in Australia emit considerably less greenhouse gases than ICE vehicles, even if charged on the current electricity grid. 

Why is this important?

RACQ sees EVs as one potential solution to vehicle emission-related issues and, at this point, they are the most market-ready.

Emissions have risen sharply over the past three decades in the transport sector, making up about 20% of total emissions, with light vehicles accounting for about half of that.

As motorists, our choices play a key role in reducing these emissions. 

Since 2018, the proportion of Australians who would consider buying an EV as their next car has stayed about 50%, according to annual surveys commissioned by the Electric Vehicle Council.

If the grid is powered by fossil fuels, how are EVs cleaner?

In Australia, our electricity grid is currently heavily reliant on coal for generation although a rapid transition to more renewable sources is underway. 

Despite this, driving a BEV off the current grid is still much less polluting than driving an ICE vehicle.

According to modelling by the NRMA and PwC Australia, an average new ICE vehicle emits about 185 gCO2/km compared to an average new BEV which emits around 98 gCO2/km if charged via the grid.

As renewable energy represents an increasing proportion of the electricity mix and battery capacity improves, BEV emissions are estimated to fall to 58 gCO2/km.

Plus, there remains the option of charging off-grid. When charged solely via renewable energy sources (e.g. solar), BEVs emit nearly zero emissions.

Do BEVs produce any emissions while running?

Unlike ICE vehicles that emit a range of particulates, contaminants and gases as a result of the combustion process, at a vehicle level, BEVs only emit heat and particulate matter.

However, they use the same compounds in their tyres and brake pads as other vehicles and these will expel some particles into the environment through normal wear and tear. 

What about the manufacturing process?

Like ICE cars, EVs use metals, rubbers, plastics and glass in their construction, which contribute similar levels of pollution during manufacture. But as manufacturers are starting to use more and more recycled and recyclable components this will be reduced.

Unlike ICE cars, EVs generally rely on rechargeable lithium-ion batteries to run.

The process of making those batteries — from mining raw materials like cobalt and lithium, to production in factories and transportation — is energy-intensive, and one of the biggest sources of carbon emissions from EVs.

Recent studies, including from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Energy Initiative, have found that while whole-of-life emissions (including production) are still significantly lower for EVs, battery manufacture currently dictates that emissions are greater during vehicle production (between 50% and 75% greater for a mid-size, dedicated BEV compared to an equivalent petrol vehicle).

However, as recycling of lithium batteries increases more and more recycled material will be used in the manufacturing of new batteries reducing the mining component of these emissions.

What about an EV's battery life cycle?

For end-of-life lithium-ion batteries, reuse recycling is currently possible.

Leading car manufacturers and other entities are developing strategic alliances to create a second-life market for used EV batteries.

Recently, the focus has been on developing large-scale energy storage systems to make use of the capacity that remains in batteries after their use in vehicles.

There appear to be significant, environmentally friendly opportunities ahead.

Companies around the world are in a race to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of battery recycling and to craft the next-generation electric vehicle battery that could leapfrog the current lithium-ion battery, improving energy density and efficiency while lessening reliance on rare earth materials.

Energy storage capacity potential

Looking to the future, as more EVs become capable of bidirectional charging (vehicle-to-grid technology), the opportunity for EVs to become a dynamic, flexible new energy storage source will eventuate.

In this instance, energy service providers could encourage EV owners to charge up from excess, intermittent sources like solar and wind, and then use the energy stored to power their houses when they need it or sell it back to the grid to support grid efficiency and reliability.

Looking forward, EVs can play a positive role in the energy sector and help to put downward pressure on vehicle running costs and electricity prices.

Other long-term benefits

While electric cars are cleaner and more efficient, there are many other reasons for supporting their introduction, including reduced motoring costs for consumers, improved national health standards and bolstered fuel security.

Producing electricity for vehicle propulsion also has benefits and relies on Australian-made energy, lessening our reliance on importing liquid fuels from overseas markets.

While this presents some potential challenges, it also presents some significant opportunities for industry and consumers.

BEVs are better for the environment than ICE vehicles

In conclusion, BEVs today are significantly better for the environment, even if solely charged via the current electricity grid.

As we continue to improve vehicle technologies and transition towards more renewable energy sources, EVs will become ‘greener’. 

Plus, there are many other potential societal benefits to be realised. 

Article written and supplied by the NRMA