Light-duty electric vehicles stack up much better than those with internal combustion engines in a new University of Michigan study of greenhouse gas emissions.
Researchers from U of M and Ford Motor Company looked at emissions over the life cycle of EVs and internal combustion vehicles.
After accounting for differences in fuel economy, annual mileage, vehicle production, and vehicle lifetime across vehicle classes, researchers found battery-electric vehicles have approximately 64% lower cradle-to-grave life cycle greenhouse gas emissions.
Researchers say that could be significant with automotive manufacturers ramping up production of electric vehicles.
Sedans, SUVs, and pickup trucks are currently responsible for nearly 60% of U.S. transportation sector emissions, the study found.
"This is an important study to inform and encourage climate action," said study senior author Greg Keoleian, a professor at the U of M School for Environment and Sustainability and director of the Center for Sustainable Systems. "Our research clearly shows substantial greenhouse gas emission reductions that can be achieved from transitioning to electrified powertrains across all vehicle classes."
The study appears in the journal Environmental Research Letters.
