Electric Cars and CO2 Emissions

Which technology creates the most emissions, mile for mile, an electric vehicle (EV), deriving its charge from plugging into the power grid or an ICE (internal combustion engine) powered vehicle?

Nothing Comes Out the Tailpipe, There is no Tailpipe!

The greatest contributor to climate change in the US, CO2 emissions from power plants, continues to rise every year. In fact, 2007 recorded the largest jump (2.9 percent) of carbon dioxide emissions in the last nine years, based on an analysis of data from the Environmental Protection Agency. This data has called into question the validity of pursuing the refinement of an electric vehicle that produces no emissions itself, but does so indirectly by usurping electricity supplied by US power plants.

Doing the Math

According to the Energy Information Administration, for every 35 miles that the average compact car (25mpg) travels, it emits approximately 28 pounds of carbon dioxide. To fully charge a ZENN Car, it takes approximately 17 kilowatt hours, to propel the car its full range, 35 miles. Seventeen kilowatt hours of electricity produce 15 to 25 pounds of CO2 depending on the power plant providing the electricity. Coal-burning power plants, which make up about half of the US power grid, are the heaviest emitters of carbon dioxide. Nuclear, wind, and solar power contribute no CO2 emissions and the more they are in use, the better the numbers are in favor of EV cars.

EVs on the Road

There are now several EV's (electric vehicles) in production and being driven on roads today. Recharging the battery on one of these early entries takes anywhere from 3-4 hours and allows the driver to travel a limited distance between charges. The variables of charging time and distance of travel are targets for intensive research and development and will play an important role in the viability of the technology.

Currently available throughout the US, the ZENN Car (Zero Emissions No Noise) is a two-seat compact car that achieves a top speed of 25mph, with a range of 35 miles. Not intended for highway driving, the ZENN Car is suitable for driving around town on city streets.

The ZAP Xebra is a 4-door sedan with a top speed of 40mph and is available for around $11,000. These vehicles recharge by plugging them into an ordinary 110 volt outlet.

The batteries that power EV cars are improving as the technology evolves and power plants are developing new ways to reduce pollution. Although the emissions produced by EV's may be lower than ICE powered cars, the net result will be negligible compared to the example of China, which already burns 25 percent of the world's coal, will increase by 10 percent in the next year. As long as the world's industries ravenously consume fossil fuel for transportation and powering our lives, CO2 emissions will continue to rise.