Do electric vehicles in the UK offer carbon savings?

According to scientists from Queen Mary University, electric vehicles in the UK currently offer no proven carbon savings because the electricity grid relies heavily on fossil fuels.

What are considered more eco-friendly options in the UK currently?

Scientists suggest that efficient hybrid or diesel cars are currently more eco-friendly options in the UK than electric vehicles.

What needs to happen for EVs to offer carbon savings in the UK?

For EVs to offer significant carbon savings in the UK, the electricity grid must be strengthened, renewable energy production increased, and robust storage for surplus green energy must be invested in.

Home / Environment / UK EVs: No Green Savings, Scientists Claim

UK EVs: No Green Savings, Scientists Claim

11 Feb

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Summary

UK electric vehicles may not reduce carbon emissions due to the current grid.
Scientists argue efficient hybrids or diesels are more eco-friendly now.
Grid strengthening and renewable storage are needed before EV adoption.

UK EVs: No Green Savings, Scientists Claim

New research from Queen Mary University suggests that electric vehicles (EVs) in the UK are not delivering the expected carbon savings. Scientists argue that due to the UK's electricity grid still relying significantly on fossil fuels, EVs are primarily powered by burning gas at power stations.

This reliance means that as EV demand increases, it is met by more fossil fuel consumption, negating potential environmental benefits. The study, published in Environmental Research, highlights that the variability of renewable energy sources like wind and solar has been underestimated in government Net Zero plans.

Consequently, researchers propose that for the present time, efficient hybrid or diesel cars may be more environmentally sound choices. They advocate for a shift in priorities, focusing on improving the electricity grid's capacity, strengthening it, and investing in renewable energy storage before further promoting EVs.