# Electric Car Battery : Debunking Myths

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2023/03/electric-car-battery-debunking-myths/
- Published: 2023-03-04T18:20:32-05:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

Let’s discuss an electric car battery. According to a recent report by The Guardian
and [MIT](https://climate.mit.edu/ask-mit/are-electric-vehicles-definitely-better-climate-gas-powered-cars),
electric cars emit significantly [fewer pollutants](https://greenlivingguy.com/2009/01/robert-f-kennedy-jr-declares-electric-car-superior/)
than conventional gasoline-powered cars. [Contrary to popular belief](https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/factcheck/2020/10/17/fact-check-electric-cars-emit-less-better-environment/3671468001/),
electric cars not only benefit the environment but also operate more efficiently
in terms of [fuel consumption](https://greenlivingguy.com/2012/11/exploding-engine-could-reduce-fuel-consumption-says-technology-review/).
While some critics argue that electric cars merely [shift the emissions from the tailpipe to the power plant](https://greenlivingguy.com/2010/11/mississippi-state-green-garage-and-ecocar-challenge/),
studies show that even when charged with electricity generated from [coal-fired power plants](https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/03/ultrafine-particles-from-coal-fired-power-plants-are-disrupting-rainfall-patterns-more-than1000km-away-a-new-study-has-found/),
electric cars still emit fewer greenhouse gases. Where I live, I use solar panels
and power walls at my house, relying on hydro for the rest and some natural gas 
for heat. This setup makes my energy usage especially greener than that of gasoline
counterparts.

## Electric car Battery

![Car electric vehicle.](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/
2023/01/69230670416__dc950d86-bcaf-4b9d-b9ea-ff11dac0e2f6.jpg?resize=225%2C300&quality
=52&ssl=1)

[Ford F150 Lightning Electric](https://greenlivingguy.com/2018/10/test-drive-results-2019-ford-fusion-energi-titanium-plugin-hybrid-electric-car/)
Truck

### Cost of Batteries over Lifetime then becomes energy storage

One of the main factors [driving the shift towards electric cars](https://greenlivingguy.com/2023/06/subaru-solterra-electric-car-test-drive-results/)
and now trucks too is the decreasing cost of batteries. As the [technology](https://greenlivingguy.com/2016/06/ford-triples-dealers-certified-selling-c-max-energi-plug-in-hybrid/)
improves and then economies of scale kick in. For then the price of [electric car batteries](https://greenlivingguy.com/2025/07/battery-ev-myths-that-mislead-consumers-today/)
has dropped by roughly 80%. For that’s over the past decade. This trend is expected
to continue. That’s been making electric cars more [affordable](https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/01/nissan-leaf-nismo-rc-electric-race-car-gone-ces-2019/)
and [accessible](https://greenlivingguy.com/2023/03/2023-jd-power-ev-owners-love-rivian-r1t-wins/)
to consumers.

### There are Emissions: Just Way Less

As Climate360 reports:

I mean [electric cars](https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/06/electric-cars-are-saving-people-hundreds-of-dollars-on-road-trips/)
reduce fossil fuel emissions once they are on the road. Therefore the production
of the [lithium-ion batteries that power](https://greenlivingguy.com/2023/07/solid-state-batteries-electrolyte-safer-powerful-alternative-lithium-ion/)
them. For it causes more displacement and [CO2](https://greenlivingguy.com/2006/08/energy-dept-ready-to-tap-emergency-oil/)
emissions. Especially more than the [production of regular gas-powered cars](https://greenlivingguy.com/2007/03/gm-targets-2010-production-for-electric-car/).
Disposal of the [batteries at the end of their life](https://greenlivingguy.com/2026/07/ai-battery-charge-extend-your-ev-battery-life/)
cycle is also a growing concern.

“There are carbon dioxide and other greenhouse emissions that come with the process
of extraction,” said [Zeke Hausfather](https://thebreakthrough.org/people/zeke-hausfather),
a scientist at climate research nonprofit Berkeley Earth told Climate360. “[It’s]
not like CO2 comes out of the [lithium](https://greenlivingguy.com/2016/07/move-over-oil-lithium-is-the-future-of-transportation/),
but it does take energy to mine things. Yet today many of those systems involve 
emitting CO2.” So even say that lithium-ion battery mining and production were determined
to be worse for the climate than the production of fossil fuel vehicle batteries
in an article from [The Wall Street Journal](https://www.wsj.com/articles/germanys-dirty-green-cars-11556057770).
Yes that’s correct. Yet it’s not looking at everything correctly at all. This is
a skewed fossil fuel argument.

However, [USA Today](https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/factcheck/2020/10/17/fact-check-electric-cars-emit-less-better-environment/3671468001/)
reported:

Cumulative energy demand (CED) measures how much energy is expended in the production
of car batteries. According to scientists measure CED, production of the average
lithium-ion [battery uses three times more electrical](https://greenlivingguy.com/2023/09/battery-electric-vehicle-destination-price-cut/)
energy compared to a generic battery.

### Another benefit of electric cars is their quieter operation.

With no internal combustion engine, [electric cars produce](https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/09/electric-vans-mercedes-benz-and-rivian-to-produce-large-ones/)
much less noise pollution than gasoline cars, which can be especially beneficial
in urban areas filled with congested traffic and busy streets. This reduced noise
contributes to a more peaceful environment, allowing residents to enjoy a higher
quality of life, especially in metropolitan settings where tranquility is often 
disrupted by the roar of engines. Furthermore, the quieter operation of [electric](https://greenlivingguy.com/2010/06/electric-car-charging-stations-in-urban-areas/)
vehicles can lead to fewer disturbances for wildlife in urban parks and surrounding
nature reserves, enhancing the experience of outdoor spaces for both residents and
visitors alike. As cities increasingly prioritize sustainability and livability,
the impact of quieter [electric cars](https://greenlivingguy.com/2009/06/nissan-electric-cars-coming-to-markets-soon/)
plays a significant role in transforming urban landscapes into more serene and enjoyable
places to live and work.

While [electric cars](https://greenlivingguy.com/2023/08/lucid-aston-martin-electric-powertrain-tech-deal/)
are still a relatively new technology, they have already made significant strides
in reducing emissions and improving energy efficiency. As battery technology improves
and renewable energy sources become more widespread, [electric cars](https://greenlivingguy.com/2025/05/affordable-clean-cars-coalition-making-evs-accessible/)
are poised to become an increasingly important part of the global transportation
landscape.

#### More Information

As [Yale](https://yaleclimateconnections.org/2022/09/lithium-storing-more-clean-power-with-less-pollution/)
reports:

Lithium is also much more efficient. Jim Krane, PhD, who teaches energy policy and
geopolitics at Rice University, has crunched the numbers. “Over 20 years,” he said,“
the same amount of mining would give you five times as much power if you did the
mining for wind rather than coal.” Not to mention that using [lithium to store renewable energy](https://greenlivingguy.com/2025/09/ai-vs-lithium-the-future-of-energy-storage/)
will slash or possibly eliminate the need to mine coal.

This video by independent videographer and Yale Climate Connections regular contributor
Pete Sinclair. Pete explores how some lithium is already being obtained without 
any mining at all. At the Salton Sea in California, [geothermal](https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/09/how-a-geothermal-system-works-plus-increasing-usa/)
power plants tap the brine and produce lithium as a byproduct. Estimates clearly
show that the Salton Sea holds enough lithium to provide all projected [future U.S. needs for the battery](https://greenlivingguy.com/2024/04/ev-battery-and-the-green-future-debunking-the-myths/)
metal. That’s in addition to, 40 percent of the world’s future needs. As well, it’s
according to experts cited in the video.

Finally, as CNBC reports:

## Are electric vehicles greener?

The short answer is yes — but their full green potential remains many years away.
While we see advancements in sustainable technologies and practices, a comprehensive
shift towards achieving complete environmental benefits requires significant time
and collective effort from industries, governments, and individuals alike. This 
process involves ongoing research, investments in renewable resources, and a commitment
to reducing carbon footprints across various sectors. Only through consistent dedication
and innovation do we actively realize the full impact of these green initiatives
in the future.

Experts broadly agree that electric vehicles create a lower carbon footprint over
the course of their lifetime. Especially more environmental and [energy savings](https://greenlivingguy.com/2020/03/installation-of-solar-panels-on-home-can-increase-value-by-4-percent-during-resale/)
than do gas, diesel or hydrogen cars and trucks. Especially those that use traditional,
internal combustion engines.

### Comprehensive Study

Last year, [researchers from the universities of Cambridge, Exeter and Nijmegen in The Netherlands](https://www.nature.com/articles/s41893-020-0488-7)
conducted a comprehensive study. It revealed a striking conclusion. That in 95% 
of the world, driving an [electric car is better for the environment](https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/01/pena-panasonic-evolving-and-growing-in-the-mobility-market/):
especially than driving a gasoline-powered car. This groundbreaking research takes
into account various factors. I mean including the lifecycle emissions associated
with manufacturing, charging, and operating electric vehicles compared to traditional
combustion engines. The findings suggest that [transitioning to electric cars](https://greenlivingguy.com/2012/06/electric-cars-built-need-transit-interconnection/)
could significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It’s playing a vital role in
combatting climate change and [improving air quality](https://greenlivingguy.com/2025/12/how-electric-shuttle-buses-improve-air-quality-in-nj/).
Furthermore, as the energy grid becomes greener through an increased reliance on
renewable sources. In addition, the environmental benefits of [electric vehicles will only continue to grow](https://greenlivingguy.com/2023/12/popular-electric-vehicles-a-growing-trend/).
Thereby making them an essential component of a [sustainable future for transportation](https://greenlivingguy.com/2008/03/verdek-electric-cars-sell-via-new-web-site/)
globally.

Electricity grids worldwide still use fossil fuels like coal and oil. This reliance
means electric vehicles (EVs) depend on non-renewable resources for charging. Such
dependence questions the environmental benefits of EVs. The energy that powers them
also contributes to carbon emissions. Additionally, producing EV [batteries requires a lot of energy](https://greenlivingguy.com/2016/06/bmw-battery-energy-storage-system-announced-at-evs29-montreal/)
and raw materials. This energy consumption raises concerns about sustainability.
We must transition to cleaner energy sources. To make [electric mobility truly sustainable](https://greenlivingguy.com/2025/11/ford-f-line-e-a-new-era-for-electric-freight/),
we must shift towards renewable energy and improve battery manufacturing efficiency.

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 greenlivingguy

 The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living
expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author,
Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The
Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides
and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant
and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric
Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green
Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For 
Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke #
Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power
System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow.

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