Do emissions from battery manufacturing cancel out the emissions saved by using them to power vehicles?
Wednesday, July 8, 2020
By Maxwell Craig
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NO
Making batteries for electric vehicles emits substantial amounts of carbon dioxide. But battery-powered vehicles, in European countries with largely renewable sources for electricity, have been found to "pay back" the manufacturing-phase emissions within 2 years of use. Even in countries producing less renewable power, such as Germany, the recovery period is less than 3 years.
Advocates note that improving production processes will also reduce emissions over time. And a continuing worldwide shift in electricity supplies to renewable sources will continue to lower the environmental costs of battery production.
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