Are electric cars better or worse for the environment?

We’ve all heard it: electric and solar-powered vehicles are the future. We’ve long been told that they’re clean, green and the key to cutting carbon emissions.  

But is it really that cut and dry? As more brands tout their new EV models, there are growing questions around whether electric cars are actually better for the environment from a holistic point of view. 

In other words, when we look at the overall environmental impact of electric vs. non-electric vehicles, which comes out on top? Dr Enamul Haque, an Associate Professor in Electrical Engineering at Deakin University, helps unpack the truth behind it all. 

From how electric cars are made to what powers them once they hit the road, there’s more to the story than just zero emissions. Are electric cars better or worse for the environment? Let’s take a closer look. 

Are electric car batteries bad for the environment? 

When it comes to how they operate, electric vehicles are undoubtedly the more environmentally friendly option in terms of emissions.  

However, we have to remind ourselves any vehicle battery – including EV batteries – will emit a large amount of energy when produced. This is the main environmental trade-off. 

‘Electric vehicles have a positive environmental impact compared to diesel/petrol-powered vehicles in terms of reduced emissions and air pollution. There are emissions associated with the making of any vehicle, as batteries are energy-intensive to produce,’ Dr Haque explains. 

Still, are electric cars better or worse for the environment when you factor in battery production?  

According to Dr Haque, they are still the better option, especially when considering the full lifecycle of the vehicle. 

‘As the electricity grid becomes cleaner, EVs become cleaner too. Electric vehicles are a key technology for Australia to achieve its climate targets, including net zero. Overall, EVs are better for the environment than gasoline or diesel cars, especially as electricity grids become cleaner,’ he says. 

Are electric car batteries powered by lithium batteries? 

Electric vehicles are powered by two different types of batteries. Lithium-ion and nickel-metal hydride. Most modern electric cars use lithium-ion batteries. 

‘Not all electric vehicles use lithium batteries. However, most modern EVs use lithium. These include Tesla, BYD, Nissan Leaf and more,’ says Dr Haque. 

The reason is simple: lithium-ion batteries are lighter, more efficient and hold their charge longer — all of which are vital qualities in electric cars.  

But what about the impact of lithium mining?  

Dr Haque says lithium mining is required for producing electric vehicle (EV) batteries, which has significant environmental impacts.  

‘The key environmental concerns associated with lithium extraction include: 

• High Water Consumption: Lithium extraction can use up to 500,000 gallons of water per ton o lithium, which depleting the local water sources. This can affect local agriculture and wildlife. 

• Damage to Ecosystem: open-pit mining (used in places like Australia) physically alters landscapes which can destroy natural habitats, causes soil erosion and affects biodiversity. 

• Chemical pollution: chemicals like hydrochloric acid are used in lithium extraction. There is a risk of soil and water contamination from leaks or spills. This is Harmful to both human populations and aquatic ecosystems downstream. 

• Carbon Footprint: mining operations require significant energy input, which maybe form fossil fuels and contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. 

• Social and Ethical Issues: any lithium reserves are in areas inhabited by indigenous communities.’ 

So, are electric cars still better for the environment when we take battery mining into account? 

It’s a consideration worth noting, but the overall environmental benefits of EV’s still outweigh the negative impacts of lithium mining. 

Can a lithium-ion battery explode in a car? 

You may have seen headlines about battery fires in EV’s. So, how likely is it that a lithium-ion battery will explode in that new EV you have your eye on? 

‘The risk of a lithium battery exploding in an electric car is very low, but not zero,’ Dr Haque says. ‘Lithium-ion batteries in electric cars are generally safe. However, they pose some risks including fire and explosion.’ 

These risks arise mainly from overheating, or a phenomenon known as thermal runaway. However, as battery technology evolves, safety continues to improve. 

Do electric or petrol cars have a higher carbon cycle? 

Electric vehicles have zero exhaust emissions and generally lower lifecycle emissions than petrol, diesel or hybrid vehicles. However, EV production — particularly the batteries — does create more emissions upfront. 

Interestingly, some efficient petrol vehicles may have a lower carbon footprint during the early years of ownership. But over time, electric vehicles tend to come out on top in the environmental stakes.  

Are electric cars better or worse for the environment than petrol cars? 

Even when factoring in the energy used to charge them, electric cars are generally better for the environment than petrol cars. For context, electric vehicles typically use around 2,000 kWh of electricity to travel 12,000 km, about half the energy usage of an average Australian home annually. 

Dr Haque points out that while electric vehicles aren’t perfect, they are a huge step in the right direction. 

‘It brings us back to that question: are electric cars better or worse for the environment? 

They’re not perfect, but they are a crucial step toward reducing transportation emissions and fighting climate change,’ he says. 

So, if you’re trying to reduce your carbon footprint and make a more environmentally conscious decision, an electric vehicle might be the right choice for you.  

While we may continue to debate, the broader consensus is in: electric cars are better for the environment, and they’ll continue to get even better as the technology improves.