Are electric cars better for the environment than fuel-powered cars?
Mathematical Modeling
"Whether you drive an electric car or are considering making the switch, you've probably been drawn into a discussion about whether they are better for the climate."
Where this idea comes from
Start here — this is the source that inspired this exploration.
Introduction
Consider the statistics in the article: "For both types of car, these are the key stages where emissions are produced: manufacturing of the car, production of the battery, especially for electric cars running the cars over their life-cycle, either on petrol or electricity disposal and recycling of the vehicle at the end of its life, including batteries"
Guiding Questions
- List what the electric-versus-petrol comparison must include: manufacturing, electricity source, lifetime distance.
- Build a total-emissions model for both cars as functions of distance driven.
- Where is the break-even distance, and how does it depend on the electricity mix?
- Test the claim for your country's grid, and find the assumptions that flip the answer.