EVs are more environmentally destructive than gasoline cars

The claim that electric vehicles (EVs) are more environmentally destructive than gasoline cars is a topic of ongoing debate, but current research generally supports the environmental benefits of EVs over their lifetimes. While the production of EVs, particularly their batteries, is more carbon-intensive than that of gasoline cars, this initial environmental cost is offset by the lower emissions during the vehicle's operational life. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), EVs typically have a smaller carbon footprint than gasoline cars, even when accounting for the electricity used for charging, as they are more energy-efficient and have no tailpipe emissions EPA. Studies, including those by the International Council on Clean Transportation and the U.S. Department of Energy, show that over their entire lifecycle, EVs contribute fewer greenhouse gas emissions than gasoline-powered cars FactCheck.org. The emissions associated with EVs are expected to decrease further as the electricity grid becomes cleaner and battery production processes improve. Additionally, the environmental impact of gasoline vehicles is ongoing due to continuous fossil fuel extraction and combustion, which EVs avoid once operational NPR. Therefore, while EVs have a higher upfront environmental cost, they are generally more environmentally friendly over their lifetime compared to gasoline vehicles.