New Studies Show EVs are Unreliable and Worse for the Environment than Gas Cars

By Lauren Fix, The Car Coach

I’m not anti-electric vehicle, I’m pro-truth!

Too many people have been sold on the lie that electric vehicles are better for the environment, or that they’re better vehicles in general. The truth is that battery technology and reliability aren’t there yet.

American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy Study

According to a study by American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), a non-profit research organization focused on reducing energy waste and negating the impacts of climate change, the new GMC Hummer EV isn’t as green as it seems. The Hummer EV emits 21 grams of carbon dioxide per mile more than a gasoline-powered Chevy Malibu. The original H1 Hummer emitted 889 grams of carbon dioxide per mile. Their research shows that the small Bolt EV emits 92 grams of carbon dioxide per mile while the new Hummer EV is responsible for 341 grams of carbon dioxide per mile. This is calculated by the amount of electric power/Kilowatt Hours each vehicle uses. All of the emissions for an electric vehicle are calculated before you even charge your car.

Two new studies have shown that electric vehicles have more quality issues than gas-powered ones and are not better for the environment.

The J.D. Power Study

Battery-electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids have more problems than the average car, according to the annual J.D. Power US Initial Quality Study (IQS) released last week. ICE powered vehicles report about 175 problems per 100 vehicles, while EV and PHEV owners reported about 240 problems per 100 vehicles! That’s almost two and a half problems per car!

EVs have a heavier emphasis on computer-controlled features over ICEs. From locking and unlocking the doors remotely, to monitoring battery charge, electronics can easily fail. Even in these advanced modern cars.

National Bureau of Economic Research Study

Besides quality issues, a new study published by the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) found that electric vehicles are worse for the environment than gas-powered ones. By measuring greenhouse gases and local air pollution generated by the development, charging, and driving of these vehicles, the government subsidies on the purchase of EVs, and taxes on electric and/or gasoline miles, researchers found that “electric vehicles generate a negative environmental benefit of about negative-0.5 cents per mile relative to comparable gasoline vehicles. Electric cars are not emissions-free. Charging an EV increases electricity demand–eighty percent of which is generated by fossil fuels such as coal and natural gas.

Most of today’s EVs are powered by lithium-ion batteries. Due to heavy government subsidies, China dominates the global production of lithium-ion batteries and their precursor materials, especially graphite. More pollution results from the hydrochloric acid used to process mined graphite into a usable form. Hydrochloric acid is highly corrosive and can cause great environmental damage if leaked into groundwater or streams. China’s Shandong province, (which is responsible for 10 percent of global graphite supply), had to suspend some of its production capacity due to environmental damages. But the growing demand in the west for EVs means such suspensions will only be temporary.

Here’s the Bottom Line

Compelling Americans to switch from gas-powered cars and trucks to electric ones has been crucial to many organizations’ and governments’ plans to fight climate change. Many government officials have signed orders to only sell EVs after 2025, and some want all ICEs off the road entirely by 2030. That means getting rid of your car for a less reliable one, which is worse for the environment–whether you like it or not.

But I want to hear your thoughts. Have you considered these factors in your next car purchase? Let me know down below, and let’s start the conversation.

Lauren is the CEO of Automotive Aspects and the Editor-in-Chief of Car Coach Reports, a global automotive news outlet. She is an automotive contributor to national and local television news shows, including Fox News, Fox Business, CNN International, The Weather Channel, Inside Edition, Local Now News, Community Digital News, and more. Lauren also co-hosts a regular show on ABC.com with Paul Brian called “His Turn – Her Turn” and hosts regular radio segments on USA Radio – DayBreak. 

Lauren is honored to be inducted into the Women’s Transportation Hall of Fame and a Board Member of the Buffalo Motorcar Museum and Juror / President for the North American Car, Utility & Truck of the Year Awards.  

Check her out on Twitter and Instagram @LaurenFix.

Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author.

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One Response to “New Studies Show EVs are Unreliable and Worse for the Environment than Gas Cars”

  1. Connoe says:

    Hi Lauren,

    I’m not typically a commenter on articles, but I had to make a post here. I’m not sure if you are aware, but Helen Raleigh over at the federalist posted a nearly identical article to this one that you wrote here: https://thefederalist.com/2022/07/11/studies-show-the-electric-vehicles-democrats-insist-you-buy-are-worse-for-the-environment-and-lower-quality/. It even includes the same linked studies you used.

    There is a major flaw in both of your articles though, the study quoted in regards to EV environmental impacts. This study is from 2015 and its conclusions are based on the statistics from a 2014 Ford Focus EV, a highly compromised vehicle. Included in the appendix of the study are numbers for the, at the time new to the market, Tesla Model S. Those numbers paint EVs in a much better light. Additionally, the NBER commissioned a new EV study this past year. https://www.nber.org/system/files/working_papers/w29093/w29093.pdf The findings in this study are nuanced, as is the BEV discussion. I will copy their conclusion below so your readers can make their own opinions:

    “Benefits from EV-induced pollution reductions exhibit substantial spatial heterogeneity based on regional differences in electricity grid composition. These benefits are thus likely to increase over time, in step with grid decarbonization. A clear implication is that EV subsidies cannot be justified based on environmental benefits in regions where coal electricity generation persists. Over time, as electricity is decarbonized, the net benefits of EVs will change, and a sensible time-profile would reflect these realities. To the extent the electricity sector is transitioning at a pace that is meaningful over the life cycle of an EV, the expected value of external damages avoided is the relevant measure for efficient policy.”