A new study from the Argonne National Laboratory via its R&D GREET Model says that a small electric sport utility produces 52 percent fewer lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions than does a comparable gasoline model. R&D GREET is a life cycle analysis model that assesses energy use and environmental impacts of vehicles, fuels, chemicals, and materials at multiple points along a vehicle’s start-to-finish life.
Most of the emissions from gasoline vehicles is from the tailpipe, of course, with a lower portion coming from manufacturing of both fuel and vehicle. Electric vehicles, however, have no tailpipe emissions, but have a higher emissions cost in manufacture. Emissions from the production of electricity are also higher than those from the production of gasoline, but distribution costs for each are not the same.
The overall model compared two virtual, like-sized small SUV models and found that overall lifetime emissions were lower for the EV. The study did not, however, define “life cycle” in terms of time or mileage. It did specify that the fuel mix was E10 gasoline and average grid electricity production. Measurements were mostly for carbon dioxide and methane release.
Aaron is an automotive journalist living in Wyoming, USA. His background includes technology, mechanics, commercial vehicles, and new vehicle evaluations. Aaron is a member of several automotive media groups and writes for many well-known publications.