The total (cradle-to-grave) emissions of electric vehicles have been under scrutiny by groups that what to slow the transition to sustainable transportation. They argue that the big batteries in electric vehicles present challenges that negate the environmental benefits. The following Ars Technica article briefly summarizes the various considerations involved in measuring the emissions impact – material sourcing, manufacturing, recycling, and the energy source and process efficiency associated with all three. Taking these into account, along with the emissions associated with generation of electricity and the operation of the car and you have the total picture.

To more accurately compare electric vehicles and gas cars, we must do something similar, i.e., account for the emissions associated with the sourcing, manufacture, and recycling of the gas vehicle; the emissions associated with the extraction, refinement, and distribution of the fuel; and the emissions associated with vehicle operation.

For a true comparison, a cradle-to-grave assessment is important. This also allows us to understand and mitigate undesired consequences of a solution.

ars Technica – Study that argued EVs aren’t cleaner gets an update