An RAC commissioned report has found fully electric vehicles’ lifecycle emissions are 55 per cent lower than petrol cars, even with manufacturing and energy production and use factored into the analysis.
Detailed modelling by consultancy Aurecon measured a range of greenhouse gas emissions for different vehicle types, assessing battery and car manufacturing, fuel and electricity production and consumption, car maintenance and tail-pipe emissions.
The result was based on EVs charging off WA’s mixed grid, powered mostly by gas and coal.
A fully renewable grid would lead to an 86 per cent drop in emissions when compared to their petrol equivalents.
RAC General Manager Social Impact Anne Still said the findings confirm EVs as the most sustainable car choice, however further action was needed to make them a viable option for more Western Australians.
“Electric vehicles are clearly a top contender to drive down transport emissions, even on today’s power grid that still relies on fossil fuels,” Ms Still said.
“However, there remain barriers preventing people from going electric, including their high upfront purchase price and ongoing concerns over a lack of charging infrastructure in WA.
“In addition to ramping up investments in charging stations, governments must also look at ways to incentivise low-emission vehicle purchases to make them a more affordable choice.”
While the modelling did not consider end-of-life recycling and disposal, RAC identified this as an opportunity – especially for batteries.
“While there are clear benefits from using EVs, there’s more to do in reducing the impact of manufacturing and recycling of vehicle parts.” Ms Still said.
To further decarbonise travel, RAC will continue to advocate to reduce reliance on vehicles and encourage use of public transport, walking and cycling.
Download the full report Understanding the environmental impact of our vehicles (PDF 2.2MB)
Media contact: RAC media team, 0401 703 719 or media@rac.com.au
