Do electric cars really have a smaller carbon footprint?

Question

Will there not be just as much of a carbon footprint from mining materials to make batteries for all the new electric cars?

And all the precious metals that go into making electronics to make that car operate?

Plus the power generation associated with charging everyone’s vehicle.

It’s my first day, but I’m here to learn something new

In: Other

Answer 1

The short answer is yes; over the long term, the carbon footprint of EV using electricity is less than combustion engine cars burning fossil fuels. And as electricity generation moves to greener sources, the carbon footprint of EVs will continue to fall. Also note batteries are being produced rapidly now due to evolving technology and high demand, but there is economic and environmental incentive to recycle them for future EVs.

Here’s a great [YouTube video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G67i_Z8ukD4) from r/DonutMedia that covers this topic and all your questions.