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Research shows that battery electric cars emit 73% fewer emissions than conventional vehicles

According to the International Council on Clean Transportation, battery electric cars sold in Europe emit 73% fewer greenhouse gases over their lifetime than gasoline equivalents.

The ICCT stated that other powertrains such as hybrids and plug in hybrids show marginal or no progress when it comes to reducing climate impact.

Why it's important

After the European Parliament backed a softerening of rules, European automakers may have more time to meet EU C02 emission targets for cars and vans. They could also reduce the potential fines.

The ICCT stated that only battery electric cars could deliver the large-scale emissions reductions needed to tackle Europe's most pollution-producing transport mode. Passenger cars account for almost three-quarters the sector's emission, according to the ICCT.

The research firm added that while hybridization has some benefits, they are small compared to the savings in emissions from battery electric cars, making it inadequate for meeting long-term climate goals.

By the Numbers

The company stated that plug-in and hybrid cars emit only 20% and 30% less emissions over their lifetime than gasoline. This is because plug-ins use electricity much less than was previously believed.

ICCT stated that Europe's electricity mix decarbonizes faster than expected. By 2025, renewable sources of energy are projected to make up 56% (an 18-point jump) of the electricity generated in Europe.

KEY QUOTES

Marta Negri is a researcher at ICCT. She said that battery electric cars are cleaner than expected in Europe and perform better than all other technologies including hybrids and pluggin hybrids.

She added that "this progress is due in large part to the rapid deployment of renewable energy across the continent, and the greater efficiency of battery-electric cars." (Reporting and editing by Matt Scuffham; Amir Orusov)

(source: Reuters)