Due to the UK’s relatively clean electricity mix, a typical electric car is estimated to save around 65 per cent greenhouse gas emissions compared to an equivalent conventional petrol car.
A report from engineering firm Ricardo calculates that by 2030, over their entire life-cycle, EVs could see about 76 per cent lower emissions in future due to improvements in battery technology, battery manufacturing and end-of-life treatment as well as improved battery technology and a further decarbonised UK electricity grid.
By 2050, these savings could increase to 81 per cent as carbon emission from EV production comes close to parity with conventional vehicles.
Hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles also offer the opportunity to deliver large emissions savings for delivery lorries and other commercial transportation. By 2050, a hydrogen-powered articulated lorry could save 73 per cent GHG emissions versus a conventional diesel lorry.
The findings are contained in...