Analysis of the Influence of Electricity Generation Mix on CO2 Emissions from Electric Vehicles in Europe

Abstract

The rise in population mobility, with the dominant modal share of passenger vehicles, is particularly concerning due to its negative impact on the environment. Environmental issues caused by internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles are increasing, as evidenced by the fact that road transport is responsible for 22% of total CO2 emissions. In this context, although electric cars do not emit harmful substances directly, power plants that generate electricity from various sources contribute significantly to these emissions. To determine the impact of electric vehicles on the environment, this study conducted a comparative analysis of gCO2/km emissions depending on the type of vehicle engine (petrol, diesel, and electric) across different European countries, based on their electricity sources. For more representative results, the comparison was made using the same make and model of car-Volkswagen e-Golf (electric car) and Golf 7 with diesel and petrol ICE engines. The results indicate that in Serbia, electric vehicles emit slightly less CO2 compared to diesel and petrol vehicles of similar characteristics. However, the difference is very small compared to diesel engines, amounting to only 3 gCO2/km.