Are electric vehicles better for the environment?
Press enquiries
If you are a journalist with a media enquiry, please contact our Press Office by email at [email protected]
For all other general enquiries, please call 0345 555 7100 or email [email protected].
Transport accounts for over 25% of our greenhouse gas emissions in the UK � but are electric vehicles the answer?
The debate on whether electric vehicles are better for the environment than their fossil fuel-powered counterparts has made headlines in recent years, with some of the most popular arguments being:
Batteries don’t last forever � they'll end up in landfill
Electric vehicles can’t do long distance travel
They emit more CO2 in production
So, we’re here to bust some myths.
1) Batteries don’t last forever � they'll end up in landfill
The batteries used in electric vehicles are similar to the lithium ion tech used in mobile phones nowadays, with one big difference � the ones in EVs have better power management systems which protect the lifetime of the battery. As a result, most car battery manufacturers offer seven- or eight-year warranties, or for around 100,000 miles.
However, even once their time on the road is over, they’re not ready to be thrown out � instead, they can be used in battery energy storage systems for homes and businesses.
Have you got a battery storage system already?
Check out , our new Virtual Power Plant designed to help facilitate a more flexible, cleaner energy grid.
2) Electric vehicles can’t do long distance travel
Range anxiety is a real worry for a lot of people. Having launched the Electric Highway ourselves and placed charge points at motorways up and down the country, we appreciate their concerns. However, in England, 99% of car journeys are under 100 miles, so you shouldn’t need to stop to recharge for most journeys.
Did you know?
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders reported that � that’s nearly enough to get you from Exeter up to the Lake District.
3) They emit more CO2 in production
It’s true that ; however, over the car’s lifetime, their total CO2 emissions are much lower than those of diesel or petrol cars.
Plus, an electric car’s carbon footprint improves with every mile it’s driven � whereas fossil fuel-powered cars� carbon footprint gets worse as they emit more pollutants.
An found that even when EVs only had capacity to drive 90,000 miles rather than the average of 180,000, they still came out 15% better than a hybrid car, with the difference being even greater when compared to a diesel or petrol car.
Don’t miss out on our EV tariff
Charge your EV for less with our 1-Year Fixed EV tariff, with an average off-peak rate of just 8p!
Similar articles
Why we’re supporting the Young Green Briton Challenge
The Young Green Briton Challenge is an investment in a cultural shift that places sustainability at the heart of our communities.
More
Introducing Lucy � our Principal Sites Manager
You may have noticed that this year we’re celebrating 30 years of Ecotricity. »Ê¹ÚÌåÓýapp’ve certainly achieved a lot in this time, and we couldn’t have done it without our fantastic customers - but also our loyal staff too.
More
»Ê¹ÚÌåÓýapp’re at the Media Production & Technology show
»Ê¹ÚÌåÓýapp’re excited to join forces with our partners at BAFTA albert on the ground at the Media & Production Technology Show (MPTS).
More