Driving an electric vehicle does not necessarily mean being frugal in terms of carbon emission. This is the finding of a study conducted in Finland. The reason: the typical profile of electric vehicle (EV) owners, who tend to consume more than average.
This study, published in
PLOS Climate, analyzed the responses of 3,857 people who participated in the CLIMATE NUDGE survey. This poll aimed to understand the life choices of Finns and their opinions on electric vehicles (EVs). It turns out that EV owners are, on average, wealthier and better educated.
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One of the most striking conclusions of this study is that despite purchasing a less polluting vehicle, these owners fail to reduce their carbon footprint. Why? Because their overall consumption patterns are much more energy-intensive than those of other drivers.
The study highlights that these individuals drive more miles per year on average, but that's not all. They use more electricity, often generated from coal-fired power plants, and buy more goods, the production of which generates greenhouse gas emissions. Despite the undeniable benefits of EVs, the researchers conclude that this is not enough to offset the larger carbon footprint of higher-income classes. This underscores a frequently overlooked reality: energy consumption is not limited to the use of a car.
The team, made up of psychologists and an economist, emphasizes another point: the transition to EVs, while essential, must be accompanied by broader changes in consumption behavior in order to effectively reduce emissions. Indeed, electric cars eliminate direct greenhouse gas emissions while driving, but their impact must be evaluated in a broader context. The production of these vehicles and their recharging still partially depend on fossil fuels.
Thus, this study invites us to rethink our approach to sustainable mobility. It's not just the car that must evolve, but the entire set of consumption habits associated with our way of life. The researchers therefore call for collective awareness.
What is the carbon footprint?
The carbon footprint is a measure of the total amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases emitted directly or indirectly by human activities. It is expressed in tons of CO2 equivalent (CO2e) and includes emissions related to energy consumption, travel, the production of goods and services, as well as the use of natural resources.
The carbon footprint is not limited to direct emissions such as those from cars or industries. It also takes into account the indirect emissions generated by the manufacturing of products, their transportation, and even their recycling. For example, generating electricity to recharge an electric vehicle can cause emissions if that electricity comes from non-renewable sources such as coal-fired power plants.
This concept is essential for understanding the impact of modern lifestyles on global warming. The higher the consumption of energy and resources, the bigger the carbon footprint becomes. The goal is to reduce this footprint to mitigate the effects of climate change.