ETA report warns environmental effects of electric cars

A study by the Environmental Transport Association (ETA) has warned that switching to electric vehicles may not essentially lessen carbon dioxide emissions or dependence on oil. The report is also doubtful that electric-powered cars would number over 25 per cent of new purchases by 2050.

Authors of the research claim that there are significant environmental advantages to be gained by switching to electric cars, but these benefits are totally dependent on the way electricity is produced, energy is taxed and carbon gas emissions is regulated. The research stated that considering the EU’s present emission trading system, rise in use of electric automobiles is expected to result in higher greenhouse gas emissions and oil consumption.

But the spokesman of One North East disagrees with the ETA report, informing that the 2008 report by Arup and Cenex assured that electric cars can help to lessen carbon dioxide emissions by 40 per cent.

Moreover, the ETA study reports that electric cars using wind or solar power are superior, but if the electricity is generated from coal, hybrids perform better. It further said that there is a possibility for cost reduction and performance improvement, but these do not suggest that electric vehicles can directly compete with diesel-powered cars within the following 20 years.

Andrew Davis, Director of ETA, however informed that the study is not planned to dampen enthusiasm for electric-propelled cars. He said that electric vehicles should not be viewed as panacea; rather changes on the way power is taxed and produced are more important in achieving greenhouse gas emission targets.