Subscribe to our newsletter
The FIA Region I commissioned an expert study analysing the sustainability and energy efficiency of electric vehicles.
The report delves into five key areas critical to understanding how EVs can contribute to climate neutrality: lifecycle emissions, manufacturing processes, energy efficiency, battery life, and transparency in consumer information.
The lifecycle assessment (LCA) examines emissions across the entire lifetime of a vehicle. While EV manufacturing, particularly battery production, generates more emissions compared to internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, EVs significantly reduce emissions during their use phase. The report highlights that EVs can cut total emissions by up to 63% compared to ICE vehicles, reinforcing EVs as the least polluting powertrain option over their lifecycle.
Regarding manufacturing processes, the report emphasizes the need for circular strategies to lower the carbon footprint. The use of recycled materials such as steel and aluminium and innovations like cobalt-free lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries can reduce the environmental impact of EV production. Additionally, prioritizing the production of smaller, more efficient vehicles is encouraged to further enhance sustainability.
In terms of energy efficiency, real-world data shows that factors like driving speed, temperature, and vehicle load can significantly affect energy consumption. A notable gap exists between real-world and manufacturer-reported efficiency, widening from 15% in 2020 to 25% in 2023. The report calls for improved consumer awareness and the need for more accurate energy efficiency reporting, which the forthcoming Euro 7 standards are expected to address.
The study also examines battery life, suggesting that better access to information on battery health and durability, coupled with accurate range information, will play a crucial role in boosting consumer confidence. The report calls for standardized, transparent, and easily accessible information to ensure consumers are well informed.
The report provides a comprehensive list of policy recommendations to complement existing and future legislation as Europe strives towards its climate goals.
This research has been supported by the FIA Safe and Sustainable Mobility Grants Programme and the FIA Foundation.
