Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid 2023. (www.toyota.com

G.E.T. Staff

We noticed an interesting concern and reply by Steve from The Cool Down (TCD) that we thought was good to share with you all.

Jake H. wrote: “One issue I have with EVs is the huge environmental impact of mining for lithium. How is that better than the process for getting oil for gas cars?”

Steve from TCD replies:

Hi, Jake! It’s a great question and a very valid concern. While it’s true that mining minerals like lithium for EVs has a significant environmental impact, over the entire life cycle of an EV, it’s nothing compared to that of gas cars.

According to stats from the Department of Energy (DOE) cited in an MIT report, EVs emit the equivalent of 3,932 pounds of carbon dioxide per year on average, compared to 11,435 pounds for gas-powered vehicles.

With mining and charging in mind, a study found that a Tesla Model 3 would only need to drive 13,500 miles before becoming less harmful to the environment than a Toyota Corolla.

Then there’s the transmission of electricity compared to the transport of gas. Gas needs to be transported to gas stations in large trucks that emit pollution in transit, unlike the transmission of electricity, which creates virtually no pollution beyond the original construction of grid infrastructure.

Exactly how much pollution is created while using the grid to charge depends largely on where you are and how the energy is generated. As the grid is increasingly powered by renewable sources, EVs will continue to become even cleaner.

[G.E.T.: Many EV owners also have solar and charge from home rarely needing to use public chargers, with the exception being on long trips.]

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