Electric Cars and the Climate: The Big Confusion

Abstract

The discussion about electro mobility revolves primarily around the question of whether electric cars (BEV) emit less CO2 than modern internal combustion vehicles. This demonstrates that there are many degrees of freedom in the comparison, which favor either one side or the other, making the situation very confusing. Weighty aspects in the discussion are either not considered at all or only marginally. For example, the fact that substituting BEVs for combustors would mean that the replacement of coal-fired power would proceed more slowly. Furthermore, the influence of emissions trading is not considered and the question of cost efficiency is not addressed.