A recent study by the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) revealed that hybrid vehicles are up to five times dirtier than EVs in terms of life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions.
The ICCT’s research updates a previous analysis from 2021 and focuses on the environmental impact of various vehicle types, including hybrid and battery electric vehicles. The study compares these vehicles across several criteria, including fuel production, vehicle manufacture, and overall emissions.
The report shows that the life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are 66 per cent to 74 per cent lower than those of conventional gasoline-powered vehicles, depending on the region’s electricity grid. This marks a substantial improvement over previous findings and underscores the growing environmental benefits of BEVs.
For example, the life-cycle emissions of a 2024 BEV SUV are estimated to be 71 per cent to 74 per cent lower than those of a traditional gasoline SUV.
The Case for BEVs Over HEVs
In contrast, hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), which rely on a combination of internal combustion engines and electric power, are significantly less efficient in terms of emissions reduction.
According to the study, HEVs produce life-cycle emissions that are about five times higher than those of BEVs. The study attributes this disparity to the fact that hybrids reduce fuel consumption compared to traditional vehicles. However, they still rely on fossil fuels and produce higher emissions over their entire lifespan.
The report outlines that BEVs have higher emissions during the manufacturing phase, particularly due to battery production. However, these emissions are offset by the zero emissions during their operational phase.
The study notes, “The ability of battery electric vehicles to greatly reduce energy consumption and emissions is among the factors driving widespread government interest in them globally.”
The ICCT’s analysis also incorporates projections for future vehicle models. It anticipates further reductions in BEV emissions as the electricity grid becomes cleaner and manufacturing processes become more efficient. This forward-looking perspective reinforces the long-term benefits of transitioning to electric mobility.
As governments and consumers focus on reducing their carbon footprints, the ICCT’s study provides compelling evidence to support this effort. Investing in BEVs is highlighted as a crucial step toward achieving meaningful reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. With the clear advantages of BEVs over hybrids, the path forward for cleaner transportation seems more defined than ever.
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