What do electric vehicle emissions refer to?

Electric vehicle emissions encompass the total greenhouse gases emitted throughout the entire lifecycle of the vehicle, which includes not only the emissions produced during driving but also those generated during the manufacturing process, battery production, and the electricity generation used to charge the vehicle.

This comprehensive view is crucial for understanding the environmental impact of electric vehicles. While electric vehicles produce no tailpipe emissions during operation, assessing their overall emissions helps provide a clearer picture of their sustainability. For instance, the production of batteries and the source of the electricity can contribute significant emissions, particularly if derived from fossil fuels. Therefore, acknowledging the entire lifecycle is vital for evaluating the true carbon footprint and environmental benefits of electric vehicles compared to traditional internal combustion engine vehicles.