Are Electric Vehicles Really Better For The Environment?

Since the first modern electric vehicles (EV) took to the roads in the 2000s, critics have been quick to question the ‘clean’ label attached to them. From manufacturing concerns to battery power sources as well as overall autonomy, EVs have been under scrutiny from sceptics. With the amount of debate and misinformation troubling the waters, the facts behind the efficiency of electric vehicles have become somewhat clouded - so just how clean are these vehicles?

↪ Read Also: The Electric Vehicle Revolution Is Alive In Barbados

Elon Musk, co-founder and chief executive officer of Tesla Inc., speaks during an unveiling event... [+] for the Tesla Model Y crossover electric vehicle in Hawthorne, California. Musk said the cheaper electric crossover sports utility vehicle (SUV) will be available from the spring of 2021. The vehicle's price will start at $39,000, a longer-range version will cost $47,000.

Battery Production

An argument that is routinely put forward to contrast the clean image of electric cars is the pollution behind the manufacturing process of their batteries. There is indeed a range of rare earth metals that make up the composition of the battery, and their extraction and manipulation can contribute to carbon emissions. However, as a 2018 International Council on Clean Transportation (ICTT) report illustrates, .

↪ Read Also: Smart Cities: The Future Of Urban Development

A comparative study between EVs and internal combustion engine vehicle (ICEV) in China corroborates the ICTT report, indicating that infrastructure and efficient manufacturing techniques are the keys to reducing emissions during production. Chinese EV battery manufacturers produce up to 60% more CO2 during fabrication than ICEV engine production, but could cut their emissions by up to 66% if they adopted American or European manufacturing techniques. As such, the pollution created through the extraction process and production of batteries remains on par or slightly higher than the manufacturing process of petrol or diesel-based engines.

An electric car at charging station in Bergen, Norway. This Scandinavian nation has the highest use... [+] of electric cars in the world, and running on mostly hydropower they are also the cleanest.

Lifetime Difference

In its study, the ICTT also notes the stark difference in emissions between electric and internal combustion over the course of their lifetimes. With no combustion and complete lack of tailpipe emissions, EVs produce the bulk of their emissions through their manufacturing process and the sourcing of their energy, giving them an advantage over petrol and diesel-powered cars.

Whilst ICEVs have been steadily reducing their emissions since 2000, electric vehicles still have a marked edge by producing close to no running emissions. Additionally, as EVs become more common and manufacturing becomes more widespread, battery recycling will be more efficient and reduce the need to extract new materials, therefore lessening the reliance on mining and production of new batteries.

↪ Read Also: Florida Cities Launch Contest To Find Urgent Climate Change Solutions

The total impact of electric vehicles is more pronounced when looking at their complete lifetime, where combustion engine vehicles are unable to compete. .

Electricity Sources

A new study by the Center for Economic Studies (CES) in Munich proclaimed: “Germany’s current energy mix and the amount of energy used in battery production, the CO2 emissions of battery-electric vehicles are, in the best case, slightly higher than those of a diesel engine, and are otherwise much higher.”

Although it may seem like a damning indictment on electric vehicle performance, the paper was quickly debunked by industry experts, who found a long list of inaccuracies with the CES’s findings. Apart from laying out previously discredited information such as electric car batteries becoming “hazardous waste” after 150,000 km, or misrepresenting government data to fit their research, the study also painted ICEV emissions as lower than the reality.

↪ Read Also: Innovation Takes To The Skies: Electric Planes Are About To Revolutionize The Airline Industry

Dr. Markus Lienkamp, head of the Department of Automotive Engineering at the Technical University of Munich denounced the report as an “unscientific conspiracy theory”. Other pundits pointed towards previous studies that showed that an electric vehicle charged on an exclusively coal-powered grid would reach similar carbon emissions performance as an ICEV - making EVs more effective over their respective lifetimes.

A report by Carbon Brief shows that across Europe and the United States, electric vehicles... [+] contribute less to climate change than conventional vehicles.

The Future Of Transport

Current electrical grids are mostly moving towards reducing their reliance on fossil fuels and increasing their renewable energy production. With electrical vehicles already producing fewer emissions through their lifetime regardless of the energy source, it shows that EVs are indeed the vehicle of the future. Car manufacturers are also accepting the fact that electric cars are less polluting and producing more EVs will help reduce total carbon emissions.

↪ Read Also: Blockchain Is The Next Big Thing For Renewable Energy

Electric vehicles as they currently stand are far less polluting than their combustion engine counterparts. As the technology becomes more mainstream, it is likely to become even more efficient and sustainable. Economies of scale will benefit EV manufacturing by providing better infrastructure, more efficient manufacturing techniques, recycling options and reduce the need for the mining of new materials. Electric vehicles are not a panacea but combined with greater deployment of renewables and the decarbonization of the electricity grid they offer a pathway to greatly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Best Electric Scooter for 2023

The Apollo Ghost is a great scooter for both beginners and long-time riders. With dual 800-watt motors, beginners can start off slowly using just one for smoother, softer acceleration. Once you get a feel for it, you can turn on the second motor for 1,600 watts of power and more aggressive performance. 

The Ghost feels quick and nimble due to its slightly smaller size and its 10-inch pneumatic tires. It also has front and rear spring suspension, which allows the scooter to ride smoothly even on bumpy surfaces. It was one of the only scooters I've tested that was fast enough for me but could be dialed back for my 12-year-old son to ride and chic enough for my girlfriend. The deck was also long enough to take my 7-year-old daughter around with me on errands. 

The scooter is solid, mostly constructed of forged aluminum, and alone weighs 64 pounds. While that's only 13 pounds lighter than the 77-pound higher-end Apollo Pro, believe me, it makes a difference when carrying it for any period. The handlebars and steering tube are collapsible making it easy to transport. I especially like the high handlebars that make it more comfortable for taller riders like myself and the locking ergonomic grips are a nice addition as well. 

Riders up to 300 pounds are supported and the scooter can hit a top speed of 34 mph. There are three gear modes along with an Eco mode. Depending on the rider size, terrain and setting preference, the Ghost can run for up to 39 miles on a full charge. I was able to get around 20-plus miles going from single to dual-motor mode. The scooter's 52-volt, 18.2aH battery can be charged in about eight to 10 hours. There is an option to cut charge time down with a single fast charger or using two standard ones. The Scooter itself has dual charging ports. 

The model I tested had mechanical disc brakes, but there is a hydraulic-brake version available for $1,799. The Ghost has lights in the front and rear of the deck and the rear lights flash when braking. They help at night, but at this level I would like to see an actual headlight up near the handlebars. (For models that don't have a headlight, I use a Blackburn Countdown 1600 light so I can see more of the road ahead and I'm more visible to drivers.) The Ghost does have a blue light underneath which helps some with visibility and looks cool, too. It also ships with a bell to warn pedestrians, but it doesn't quite cut it in the city where a horn is almost a necessity.

A display next to the finger throttle shows battery level, current speed, the gear you're in and distance traveled. It's visible in direct sunlight and even has a USB port to charge a mobile device or GoPro. There is also a voltage display to help monitor the health of the battery. The Ghost has a key ignition and spots to attach a lock on the frame for added security when running errands. Also, while I wouldn't leave it out in the rain, the Ghost has an IP54 rating so some splashing isn't a problem. Plus, it has small front and rear fenders to keep you clean.

Apollo provides free shipping in the continental US and Canada. A Canadian company with multiple service centers across the US, it backs its products with a one-year warranty. And if for whatever reason you need to call it, you can speak with a real live person.

There's a lot to like here. I even like the kickstand placement in the center of the deck, which is more convenient when you step off rather than at the back.

The best electric cars of 2023

The best electric cars can get you around without leaving a cloud of pollution in your wake, and choosing between them is harder than ever. If only because there are so many quality electric cars available to buy right now. That includes the likes of the Ford F-150 Lightning, Kia EV6 and others.

Tesla might be the best known electric carmaker, but it's far from the only player in the business. In fact several different rivals offer a range of all-electric cars for you to choose from. So whether you want a simple urban runabout or a performance-tier EV, here are the best electric cars on sale right now.

Granted there's a lot you need to decide on before you choose an electric car. Including whether you should opt for one of the cheapest electric cars, or if the model you want is one of the few electric cars still eligible for the federal tax credit. Plus, if you're still really struggling, ber sure to check out our guide to 11 electric cars with the longest range and our guide to whether you should buy an EV or hybrid.

Price: From $40,900

Range: 310 miles

0 to 60 mph: 5.2 seconds

Drive: AWD; RWD

Availability: On sale now

Striking design

Up to 310 miles of range

Comfortable seating

Cool lighting

Lots of great tech

No rear wiper

View out the back a bit limited

There's an awful lot to like about the Kia EV6. It may not be the fastest electric car out there, nor does it have the longest-lasting battery, but it has just about everything else you could hope for — including 310 miles of EPA rated range.

In our time with the car, we were happy to see Kia has outfitted the EV6 with a stylish exterior, and a smart interior that's bursting with class and hi-tech features. Not to mention the 350 kW charging, an augmented reality heads-up display, smart parking, vehicle-2-load capabilities, and 17.6 cubic feet of trunk space. That's without the seats being folded down too.

Combine all that with a very reasonable $40,900 starting price, and you have the recipe for an electric car that's almost perfect. In fact the only faut we can find is that the back window's a little small and there's no rear wipe.

Read our full Kia EV6 review

Price: From $27,400

Range: 226

0 to 60: 7.4 seconds

Drive: FWD

Availability: Available Now

Cheapest electric car in the US

ePedal one-pedal driving mode

ProPilot driver assistance software

Roomy interior with Android Auto and CarPlay support

40 kWh model has limited range

CHAdeMO rapid charger

While not the most spectacular EV on the market, the Nissan Leaf is an ideal car for people new to EVs, or who simply don't want to spend a lot of money. The 2022 model of the car is even more appealing in that respect, since its starting price is just  $27,800 — and that's before you take federal and state incentives into account. In fact, the Nissan Leaf is one of just nine electric cars to still be eligible for the federal tax credit — meaning it can cost as little as $20,300

The Leaf also offers a roomy interior with plenty of hi-tech options, including the semi-autonomous ProPilot driver assistance software, and the 'ePedal' that offers a one-pedal driving mode for those that want it. It also supports both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

There are downsides, mainly the fact that the cheaper 40 kWh battery models only offer 149 miles of EPA range. Likewise the Leaf includes a CHAdeMO rapid charger, rather than the CCS favored by every other automaker that isn't Tesla. But if you're looking for an EV that doesn't need to be too big, and you have a tight budget, this is one to consider.

Read our full 2022 Nissan Leaf review

Price: 62,990

Range: 330 miles

0 to 60 mph: 3.5 seconds

Drive: AWD

Availability: Now

Lots of storage space

Autopilot as standard, FSD available

250kW Supercharging available

No cheaper standard range model on sale

No Apple CarPlay or Android Auto support

The Tesla popularity contest was long-dominated by the Model 3 — on account of its solid performance and lower price tag. But the Model Y has swooped in and stolen its thunder. It may be slightly more expensive than the Model 3, but it makes up for that with practicality and interior space.

The Tesla Model Y has all the parts you need to make a Tesla, including up to 330 miles of range, a 3.5 second 0-60 time, Autopilot, access to the 250kW Tesla Supercharger network, and more. of course all the usual Tesla caveats apply, like the extreme minimalism and the fact everything is centralized in a single touchscreen display. Teslas are popular, but if there's one thing we've learned driving them it's that Elon Musk's cars are an acquired taste. (In fact, after more than 1,000 miles of test drives, our automotive editor still has issues with Tesla's EVs.)

If you want all the benefits of a spacious Tesla, without having to pay a Model X price tag, then the Model Y might be the EV for you.

Read our full Tesla Model Y review

Price: from $46,974

Range: 320 miles

0 to 60 mph: 3.8 seconds

Drive: AWD

Availability: On sale now

Impressive Range

Vehicle-to-load support

Best Driving F-150 

Compatible with legacy truck accessories

DC Fast charges at 150kW

Range destroyed by towing

Paltry forward visibility 

The age of the electric truck is already kicking off, and Ford may have just perfected the formula right out of the gate with the F-150 Lightning. Ford's F-Series trucks have been the best-selling vehicles in America for decades, so the pressure was on to get this one right. Fortunately Ford has taken everything people love about the regular F-150 and given it an all-electric boost.

Not only does the pickup look and drive almost identically to its gasoline and hybrid-powered siblings, it's got all the same features — and more. A spacious frunk, more power outlets than you can handle, the BlueCruise autonomous driving system,  230-320 miles of range, and a drive that is smoother and sturdier than gasoline could offer. 

So if you want an electric truck, and are willing to handle the lengthy wait period, the F-150 Lightning is the one for you. Especially since it's eligible for the federal EV tax credit.

Read our full Ford F-150 Lightning review

Price: From $102,310

Range: 350 miles

0 to 60 mph: 3.4 seconds

Drive: AWD

Availability: On sale now

Excellent range

Dazzling technology

Easy charging

Very easy on the eyes

Quite bulky

Expensive

Limited view out the back

For fans of big luxurious sedans is the Mercedes EQS. It may be an expensive car, even by electric car standards, but this is the perfect blend of fantastic design, advanced technology, top tier performance and some of the longest non-Tesla range on the market. We even go so far to say that it's a masterpiece of German engineering.

But as exotic and luxurious the car is, there's also a lot of practical elements as well. up to 62.5 cubic feet of trunk space, 350 miles of EPA-rated range, the triple-display Hyperscreen dash, a panoramic sunroof and some of the most comfortable seats around. Pure Mercedes style and class, powered by pure electricity.

Read our full Mercedes Benz EQS Sedan review

Price: $43,990

Range: 358 miles

0 to 60 mph: 3.1 seconds

Drive: RWD, AWD

Availability: Available now

Forward-looking features

Over-the-air updates

Good range for the price

Distracting center-only instrument display

No Apple CarPlay or Android Auto support

Every car company in the world seems to be gunning for Tesla, but its Model 3 remains one of the best electric cars available, with excellent range, features, and a price that demonstrates that Teslas aren't just for the 1-percenters. 

Indeed, the Tesla Model 3 is still one of the best mass-market electric car out there. The Model 3 can go up to 262 miles on a single charge (with the standard battery), and while this car is stubbier and plumper than Tesla's Model S, it's about half the price.

While critics point out that Tesla continues to overstate the technical abilities of its driver-assist Autopilot feature, we think it's still worthwhile, within limits. Software updates offer continual improvements, but if you want more range and better handling AWD, pricing on the Model 3 starts at $41,990.

Read our full Tesla Model 3 review

Price: From $45,900

Range: 270 miles

0 to 60 mph: 4.6 seconds

Drive: RWD / AWD

Availability: Now

270+ miles of range

Enjoyable and dynamic driving characteristics

Android Automotive OS

Apple CarPlay support is still not implemented

Adaptive Cruise Control is not standard

RWD is slow off the line

Polestar is a car company founded by Volvo, but kept as a completely independent entity. So while Polestar can benefit from its founders safety technology and other resources, it's free to push the boundaries of electric vehicle performance and engineering. Polestar 2 is the company's first five-door electric car, with a great mix of looks and safety.

Polestar 2 offers dual motor performance, alongside an EPA range of 270 miles per charg and a 0-60 time between 4.6 and seven seconds. It's not industry-leading, but it's still pretty impressive. Polestar also included an infotainment system based on Android Automotive OS, alongside self-cleaning headlights, a Harmon Kardon sound system, and Volvo's Pilot driver assistance system. That includes emergency braking and pedestrian detection, lane centering, and all the other bells and whistles you'd expect.

Read our full Polestar 2 review

Price: From $39,700

Range: 300 miles

0 to 60 mph: 5.2 seconds

Drive: RWD/AWD

Availability: Now

Great looks

Tons of tech

Practical design

Excellent performance

Solid range

Expensive to buy

No rear wiper

If you're looking for a good all-round electric car, then the Hyundai IONIQ 5 is a great option. The SUV packs in loads of space for you, your family and whatever you may need to transport, and packs in an impressive 300 miles of range to get you where you need to go.

Better still the IONIQ 5 comes with plenty of tech options, should you want them. There's a built-in heads-up display, wireless charging, mood lighting, and up to 350 kW charging speeds.

Most importantly, however, is that the IONIQ 5 is fun to drive. Not only does it have the instant torque all EVs offer, it's a speedy beast that can jump from 0-60 in just 5.2 seconds. That may not be Tesla-level acceleration, but it isn't bad going - especially for an SUV.

Read our full Hyundai IONIQ 5 review

Price: $56,200

Range: 300 miles

0 to 60 mph: 6.1 seconds

Drive: RWD

Availability: Now

Sports car styling

Over-the-air updates

It may not be the Mustang you were expecting, but Ford's Mustang Mach-E is still the  first all-electric car Ford has built. The SUV design might put some people off, but Ford has added a solid mix of technology and performance. That includes a 15.5-inch touchscreen, CarPlay and Android Auto support, and a luxury interior that should keep everyone happy.

It may not be as powerful as a Tesla Model X, or offer quite as much range as other electric cars, but it's still a great option for someone hoping to get all these features for a slightly lower price than the competition is asking for. 

Still, Ford recently announced a new Mustang Mach-E GT model that takes things a step further. Boosting power from 346 hp to 460 hp and covering the 0-60 in 3.8 seconds (3r o.5 secs for the Performance Edition). 

Read our full Ford Mustang Mach-E review

Buying a new car is a very personal thing, and electric cars are no exception to that.  What you want to look for is all very dependent on your circumstances and what you need the car to be able to do. That'll help you narrow things down and work out which EV is right for you.

If you have a large family, and need to move a bunch of kids and their stuff around on the regular, you're not going to want a compact vehicle. Likewise if you only need something for short trips and getting groceries home, you don't necessarily need a big long-range SUV. 

As for range, it's easy to insist that more range is always better but that's not always the case. Having that option is helpful, but if you commute under 50 miles a day and rarely take long road trips, then a car with 300 miles of range isn't essential. It's nice to have if you can afford it, but it shouldn't put you off. The same is true for performance. super-quick cars are fun to drive, but how often are you going to take advantage of that?

Finally, supply chain issues may limit your choice and force your hand. Automakers have been struggling to produce cars, especially as demand picks up, but that doesn't mean they're impossible to buy. Some dealers and automakers will have new models in stock, you just won't get much choice in what features are included.

Next: Here's how you can keep your electric car's battery healthy.