Is an electric car more polluting than a diesel locomotive?

In France and most Western countries, strong political and industrial will encourages the transition to electricin particular for environmental reasons. Many countries want to ban petrol and diesel cars from here 2040to make room for the electric vehicle. 

This is the case with France, especially with Climate plan released in 2017, which promotes electric mobility by providing assistance of up to € 8500 for the purchase of an electric vehicle. Car manufacturers are also realizing the importance of this green transition with more and more EV models. However, there is still a lot of controversy about environmental impact of these cars. 

Does an electric car pollute the environment? 

First of all, you should be aware that all private cars that run on gasoline, diesel or electricity pollute the environment. 

To understand their impact on the environment, it is necessary to consider all phases of their life cycle. We distinguish two phases : production and use. 

The production of electric vehicles has an impact on the environment, in particular due to its battery. Traction battery is the result of a complex manufacturing process and consists of many raw materials such as lithium or cobalt. Mining these metals requires a lot of energy, water and chemicals that pollute the environment. 

Thus, at the stage of production of an electric vehicle, up to 50% more CO2 than a thermal vehicle. 

In addition, the energy required to recharge the batteries of electric vehicles should be considered; that is electricity produced upstream. 

Many countries, such as the United States, China or even Germany, generate electricity using fossil fuels: burning coal or gas. This is highly polluting for the environment. And while electric vehicles use fossil fuels, they are no more sustainable than their thermal counterparts. 

On the other hand, in France, the main source of electricity is nuclear... Although this energy resource is not 100% sustainable, it does not produce CO2. Hence, it does not contribute to global warming. 

globally, fossil fuels represent two-thirds generating electricity, even if renewables tend to take up more and more space. 

The electric car pollutes the environment, yes, otherwise it would be wrong to say. On the other hand, it is definitely no more polluting than its thermal counterpart. In addition, unlike diesel locomotives, the carbon footprint of electric vehicles tends to decrease, with the share of renewables in global energy production increasing steadily. 

Is the electric car the solution to the climate crisis?

75% The environmental impact of an electric vehicle occurs during the production phase. Now let's take a look at the usage phase.

When an electric car is in motion, it does not emit CO2, unlike a petrol or diesel car. Remember that CO2 is a greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming. 

In France, transport represents 40% CO2 emissions... Thus, electric vehicles are an effective way to reduce CO2 emissions and lower environmental impact. 

The graph below is from a study by the Fondation pour la Nature et l'Homme and the European Climate Fund. Electric vehicle on the road to energy transition in France, perfectly illustrates the environmental impact of an electric vehicle during the operational phase, which is significantly lower than that of a thermal vehicle. 

Although an EV does not emit CO2, it does produce fine particles. Indeed, this is due to the friction of tires, brakes and the road. Small particles do not contribute to global warming. However, they are a source of air pollution that is dangerous to humans.

In France between 35 and 000 people die prematurely after a year due to small particles.

However, electric vehicles emit much fewer fine particles than gasoline vehicles. Moreover, they are also emitted in the exhaust gases. In this way, the electric vehicle also contributes to the improvement of air quality. 

Specifically, given that an electric vehicle does not produce CO2 during the use phase, the pollution generated during the production phase disappears quickly. 

Indeed, after From 30 to 000 km, the carbon footprint between an electric vehicle and its thermal counterpart is balanced. And since the average French driver drives 13 km a year, it takes 3 years for an electric car to become less harmful than a diesel locomotive. 

Of course, all of this is only true if the energy used to charge electric vehicles does not come from fossil fuels. This is the case in France as well. In addition, we can easily imagine that the future of our electricity generation will be in sustainable and renewable solutions such as wind, hydraulic, thermal or solar, which will make the car electric ... even more environmentally friendly than it is today. 

Unfortunately, there are still some restrictions when buying an electric vehicle, such as its price.

Used electric car - the solution?

Beyond delight next to and therefore a used electric vehicle is more environmentally friendly in order to have a lower purchase price. In fact, buying a used electric car gives it a second life and reduces its ecological footprint. 

Thus, this capability allows access to electric vehicles for any budget and thus effectively combat global warming.

How to make the market for used electric vehicles more fluid?

As the electric vehicle market is booming, the used electric vehicle market is evolving logically. Since used cars have a lower environmental impact than new ones, the development of this market is all the more interesting. 

The main obstacle to buying a used car is distrust of its condition and reliability... For electric vehicles In particular, motorists should pay special attention to the condition of the battery. V Indeed, it is the most expensive component of a car that eventually deteriorates. ... No question about buying a used electric vehicle to replace your battery in a few months!

Have a battery certificate, confirming its condition, then facilitates the purchase or resale of a used electric vehicle. 

If you are looking to buy a used electric vehicle, it will be more convenient for you to do so if its battery is certified by La Belle Batterie. Indeed, you will have access to accurate and independent battery health information. 

And if you are looking to resell your vehicle in the aftermarket, La Belle Batterie certification will allow you to confirm the condition of the battery. This way, you can sell faster to more relaxed customers.