The production of cars and their components has a significant impact on the environment, as it emits carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases. A typical passenger vehicle emits around 4.6 metric tons of CO2 per year, assuming an average fuel economy of 22.0 miles per gallon and 11,500 miles driven annually. Lithium-ion batteries are a popular energy source for electric vehicles due to their capacity to store energy in a small space, their charging capacity, and their ability to remain effective after hundreds or thousands of charging cycles. However, the manufacturing process of these batteries and their components also emits CO2.The Guardian estimated that for every £1000 spent on a new car in the UK, 720 kg of CO2e is allocated.
Electric cars still emit less CO2 than gas-powered cars, even when taking into account the initial emissions associated with battery manufacturing. To reduce emissions further, cars should be made to last 200,000 miles instead of 100,000 miles, as this can decrease emissions per mile by up to 50%. Automakers must also build smaller, more energy-efficient electric vehicles in a sustainable way.A report prepared for the Low Carbon Vehicle Association highlighted the importance of considering lifetime carbon emissions when evaluating low greenhouse gas emissions vehicles. The data used to calculate the carbon footprint included global sales data, fleet emissions data, and data on upstream production, recycling and fuel emissions.
The CO2 emissions for the manufacture of a lithium-ion battery range from 3120 kg (about 3 tons) to 15,680 kg (about 16 tons). In comparison, the EPA estimates that a gasoline vehicle emits 38 tons over its lifetime.Unless you drive very high mileage or have true gas consumption, it is generally best to keep your old car for as long as it is reliable and take care of it carefully to extend its life as long as possible. This will help reduce emissions and ensure that you are doing your part to protect the environment.
