Whether an electric vehicle (EV) has a carbon advantage over an internal combust

Question

Whether an electric vehicle (EV) has a carbon advantage over an internal combustion engine (ICE) depends on the source of the EV electricity as well as the fuel efficiency of the car to which it is being compared. Assuming a wells-to-wheels emission rate of 11.2 kgCO2/gallon gasoline for ICE and 3.0 mile/kWh efficiency for an EV, find the following.

3. In terms of carbon emissions, which is cleaner, an EV powered by electricity from a coal-fired power plant that emits 1.0 kgCO2/kWh or a new car that meets efficiency standard of 35.5 mpg?

Explanation / Answer

Let us calculate carbon emission for one mile of drivinig.

EV powered by Electricity = 1kgCO2/3 per mile. = 333.333 gms CO2 per miles.

ICE = 11.2/35.5 kg CO2 per miles. = 315.5 gms CO2 per miles.

ICE is cleaner.

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