: If an EV is charged using electricity from coal-fired power plants, its immediate emissions profile is higher than if it used renewable energy. The Reality of Modern Comparisons
While innovations like "water-diesel" mixtures or synthetic fuels aim to reduce diesel's footprint, they currently do not match the overall climate benefits of EVs in the mass market. Benziner, Diesel, E-Auto: Wer ist klimafreundlicher? Die Wahrheit: DIESEL ist sauberer als ELEKTRO-Auto
: New EVs sold in Europe are estimated to produce up to 73% fewer greenhouse gas emissions over their lifecycle than comparable diesel cars as the power grid becomes greener. Comparison Table: Diesel vs. Electric Diesel Vehicle Electric Vehicle Tailpipe Emissions Nitrogen oxides ( NOxcap N cap O sub x ) and soot particles Zero CO2 per Liter/kWh High (~2.65kg CO2 per liter) Depends on grid (lowest with renewables) Efficiency ~30-40% of fuel energy used for motion ~70-90% of electrical energy used for motion Sustainability Relies on finite fossil fuels Improving through battery recycling laws : If an EV is charged using electricity
The "Diesel is cleaner" argument usually relies on two specific points: : New EVs sold in Europe are estimated
: On average, EVs emit less than half the CO2 per kilometer compared to diesel or gasoline cars when considering the full lifecycle (well-to-wheel).