The impact of EVs on the Environment

In a world increasingly focused on reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and pollution, electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming more and more attractive. Research consistently shows EVs produce fewer greenhouse gases and air pollutants over their lifetime compared to petrol and diesel cars—even when factoring in vehicle production and electricity generation.

However, with Britain becoming Europe’s largest EV market in 2024, many questions have arisen about just how green and clean EVs truly are. So, we’re going to delve into how EVs impact the environment.

Are EVs as green as they seem?

In 2024, global EV sales were predicted to reach approximately 17.5 million. Often, those purchasing an EV were doing so to benefit the environment. Let’s dive into how EVs live up to their green reputation:

Reduced greenhouse gas emissions

One of the standout benefits of EVs is their ability to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Unlike petrol and diesel cars, EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions, meaning they don't release any CO2 into the atmosphere. This massively improves air quality; creating cleaner streets for all.

To put this into perspective, traditional petrol cars emit around 165 grams of CO2 per kilometre, and diesel cars emit about 170 grams of CO2 per kilometre. In contrast, EVs average just 50 grams of CO2 per kilometre, including consideration of the electricity generated. Therefore, over one year, just one EV can save an average of 1.5 million grams of CO2. That’s the equivalent of four return flights from London to Barcelona. This reduction in CO2 emissions highlights the massive environmental advantage of EVs over petrol and diesel cars.

Reduced noise pollution

Unlike petrol and diesel cars, where noise is generated from the engine and exhaust, EV motors are almost silent, especially at lower speeds. This results in quieter streets, which can make urban areas more peaceful and pleasant for both people and wildlife.

Improved energy efficiency

EVs are more energy efficient than petrol and diesel cars through converting a higher percentage of energy from the car battery into motion. While petrol cars waste approximately 75–84% of their energy through heat, friction, and other inefficiencies, EVs only waste about 31-35%. Therefore, EVs help reduce the overall energy demand through losing less energy. This makes EVs a smarter, greener choice for the environment.

HOWEVER… while the EV market appears to be growing rapidly, there's been opposition to the supposed environmental benefits. So, it’s important for us to tackle why EVs may not always be ‘WATT’ they seem:

EV production emissions, a shock to the environment?

Producing EVs does use a lot of energy. The emissions created during EV production tend to be higher than petrol cars. This is due to the manufacturing of lithium-ion batteries, an essential part of an EV, which releases several greenhouse gas emissions. These include CO2, methane (CH4), sulphur dioxide (SO2), and Nitrogen oxides (NOX).

However, as technology advances, this is changing for the better. With more efficient manufacturing techniques — such as the use of sustainable and recycled materials — being introduced, the volume of greenhouse emissions created during the production of batteries will improve.

Wasted Potential? Battery recycling dilemmas

The waste and recycling of EV batteries present significant environmental challenges. EV batteries can last up to 20 years, but when they eventually need replacing, it can result in substantial waste. Recycling these batteries is particularly difficult due to their complex design, high costs, and low recovery rates of harmful materials like lithium and cobalt. Also, improper handling or disposal can exacerbate the problem. For example, hazardous substances in EV batteries can leach into soil and water, posing serious risks to ecosystems and public health.

However, reusing and recycling EV batteries is an ever-growing market. Research into the use of second-hand batteries is looking at ways to reuse batteries in new technologies such as electricity storage. This could help balance the National Grid and store renewable energy, reducing the environmental impact of EV battery production. Studies suggest that reusing 50% of end-of-life vehicle batteries for energy storage could offer a capacity of 96 GWh in 2030, 3,000 GWh in 2040, and 12,000 GWh by 2050. This stored energy could be used during peak demand times when electricity prices are higher, reducing your energy costs. Also, due to increased energy storage, renewable energy can become more reliable – even when the sun isn’t shining or the wind isn’t blowing, there will still be a steady supply of renewable energy available!

Finally, with advancing vehicle-to-home (V2H) technologies that power homes, one day, we could all have our own energy storage units. This not only provides backup power and reduces energy costs but also creates another opportunity to reuse EV batteries. Repurposing batteries for home energy storage extends their lifecycle, minimises waste, and lessens the environmental burden of manufacturing. This circular approach supports a more sustainable battery lifecycle, counteracting current environmental damage caused by production.

Overall, even after considering lithium-ion battery manufacturing, EVs are still a greener option. Their lifetime greenhouse gas emissions are significantly lower than those of petrol and diesel vehicles, making them a critical tool in reducing global carbon emissions.

Mining impacts: let’s dig deeper!

When producing EV batteries, the mining of required materials such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel causes multiple environmental issues. For example, refining nickel and cobalt can increase sulphur dioxide (SO2) emissions which creates pollution hotspots. Similarly, toxic chemicals used in mining, such as hydrochloric acid, can contaminate water supplies and soil. In some cases, this has led to incidents like fish die-offs in rivers near mining sites.

Also, mining for EV battery materials can have severe social consequences, particularly in regions like the Democratic Republic of Congo. Here, cobalt mining has been linked to poor working conditions, where miners often face hazardous environments and inadequate safety measures. Additionally, there are significant concerns about child labour and the violation of indigenous communities' rights, highlighting the urgent need for ethical and sustainable EV battery mining practices to be introduced.

However, researchers are making significant strides in developing EV battery technologies that use fewer harmful materials, paving the way for more sustainable solutions. Simultaneously, advancements in EV battery recycling now allows up to 90% of battery materials to be recovered and reused. This minimises waste and conserves resources.

Companies are also taking steps to prioritise ethical sourcing, ensuring fair labour practices and eliminating child labour. For example, the Global Battery Alliance (GBA), which includes UK-based companies and organisations, is committed to ending child labour in the battery supply chain through various measures, such as developing a digital Battery Passport to track and authenticate the absence of child labour in the sourcing of cobalt. Meanwhile, international cooperation is driving efforts to adopt sustainable mining practices and secure a reliable supply of critical materials.

While the production of EV batteries continues to pose significant environmental and social challenges, ongoing advancements in technology, recycling, and ethical sourcing are critical to mitigating these impacts. By confronting these issues and fostering sustainable practices, the industry can ensure that the shift towards EVs leads to a cleaner future without compromising human rights or the health of our planet.

Drive towards a greener future with EDF

As Britain’s biggest generator of zero carbon electricity, EDF is committed to leading the charge towards the UK’s ambitious goal of protecting the environment and achieving net zero emissions by 2050. As we’ve discovered, despite certain environmental concerns, EVs are crucial to this goal, and this is why the UK government are accelerating the number of EVs on the road through initiatives such as The Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate. Effective from January 2024, this mandate requires 100% of new cars sold in Great Britain to be zero emission by 2035.

So, why not join our road to net zero and make a positive impact? If you’re already driving an EV, EDF offers a range of tailored EV tariffs that are all powered by 100% zero-carbon electricity that we generate ourselves. From Pod Point Plug & Power to GoElectric Overnight, our EV tariffs ensure that you save cash and carbon while charging your EV at home!

OR…if you don't yet own an EV, there’s no better time to make the switch! Through our trusted partner DriveElectric, one of the UK’s leading EV lease providers, you can lease an EV with ease. With over ten years of experience in the EV leasing industry and thousands of vehicles delivered, DriveElectric offers flexible, affordable options to suit a variety of needs. Whether you're looking to lease an EV for a short-term commitment or a longer-term solution, DriveElectric makes the transition to an EV affordable and hassle-free. Explore our leasing options here!

By joining EDF, you're helping accelerate the adoption of clean, green transport and driving Britain towards net zero! Together, we can reduce CO2 emissions, support the growth of renewable energy, and develop a cleaner, healthier future for all. Let’s drive towards a net zero future—one EV at a time!

Join EDF Today!