"While there is a bigger carbon footprint in the very short term because of the manufacturing process in creating the batteries for electric vehicles, very quickly you come out ahead in CO2 emissions by year three and then for all of the rest of the vehicle lifetime, you’re far ahead and so cumulatively much lower carbon footprint.”
The concept that electrified vehicles have a far greater net positive impact on carbon footprint has long been a founding principle of the SHiFT Vehicle Retirement Initiative. And we’re inspired to see this hold up to scrutiny by independent academics. This is further compounded by the fact that modern combustion engines have plateaued in thermal efficiency (20-40%), while electric motors are 85-90% efficient. As our grid and power generation gets even cleaner with renewables, EVs have far more headroom for reducing transportation carbon footprint than aging combustion-only technology.
