In Scandinavian countries, where the kilowatt-hours consumed by the car are produced by hydroelectric dams and wind turbines, electric cars have a lower carbon footprint than in other countries that rely primarily on coal-fired power plants, which emit large amounts of CO2. The energy mix explains how the carbon footprint of the same electric vehicle can differ across Europe. This type of car obviously emits no CO2 when in use (unlike combustion-powered vehicles,) and charging has less of an effect on the environment when carried out using “low carbon” electricity such as that produced by wind, nuclear, solar or hydroelectric power sources. Indeed, the source of the electricity used to power the car has a significant effect on the carbon footprint of an electric vehicle. This figure is based on an average energy mix: in other words the average distribution of electricity produced by different sources in Europe. But the scales then tip completely the other way, however, as electric vehicles have a much lower carbon footprint way once they are in use.Īccording to a European study titled The Electric Vehicle in the Energy Transition, conducted by the Foundation for Nature and Mankind in 2017, over the course of its lifetime, the carbon footprint of a Renault ZOE is nearly 40% less than an equivalent combustion-powered vehicle.
Electric cars have a higher carbon footprint when they first leave the factory than combustion-powered vehicles because of the battery production process. The carbon footprint of a manufactured product is obtained by calculating the total amount of greenhouse gases emitted during its entire lifecycle, from the extraction of raw materials used to make the product, through its period of use, until it is recycled and/or no longer used.Īs a useful example, a car’s carbon footprint is calculated based on the energy consumption and CO2 emissions caused by the extraction of gas and other raw ingredients, the production of the various parts, the assembly of the car, the logistics chain it depends on while in use, its recycling, and its end of life.
Whats a carbon footprint how to#
How to calculate the carbon footprint of an electric vehicle It thus takes one to two new trees by day to compensate for the annual carbon footprint of an average European citizen, which is estimated at 12 tons. Environmental experts have calculated the number of trees that must be planted to process the carbon emitted by human activity, based on each tree processing between 20 and 30 kilograms of carbon per year. This “mass/time” measurement also makes it possible to compare emissions with actions taken to compensate for them. They are expressed in a unit of mass, such as kilograms or tons, relative to a given unit of time (for example, 10 kg/year.) They can also refer to the entire lifecycle of a manufactured product.
Carbon footprints are calculated for different periods of time, such as a year. A “ carbon footprint” refers to the amount of greenhouse gases, CO2 in particular, emitted by a person, organization, activity or object.
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