Electric vs. Gasoline Car Emissions from Production to Recycling

[AFTT47]

Here is a good video on the subject. It is particularly instructional as it contains a lot of citations. Nicely researched.

As a bonus, Here is a video contrasting batteries vs. hydrogen fuel cells.

Tesla researched these issues themselves prior to designing their first car in the early 2000s. Their own studies largely agree with 3rd party studies like these with the exception that Tesla believed hydrogen fuel cells were an even worse solution (in terms of environmental benefits) than gasoline and diesel. All the 3rd party studies I know of think hydrogen beats what we're using now but still hopelessly poorer than batteries.

[bennyboy]

Interesting stuff. I've long believed that continuing on with an older vehicle was usually better than purchasing a new electric car.

[dyresand]

Interesting stuff.  I've long believed that continuing on with an older vehicle was usually better than purchasing a new electric car.

I would rather buy a used electric rather than a new electric car.

[Jackalope]

Interesting stuff.  I've long believed that continuing on with an older vehicle was usually better than purchasing a new electric car.

I would rather buy a used electric rather than a new electric car.

Yep. They depreciate quickly first few years. We bought a 2014 Leaf with 21K(?) miles two years ago cheap. Whatever ends up replacing it will also be a used electric - as soon as I can get one with a couple hundred freeway miles range.

We recently decided one of our cars had to go, we opted to keep the Leaf over a newer much nicer car that we like a lot. It's just too damn cheap to operate, even considering eventual battery replacement.

That aside, I seriously doubt I'll ever buy another new car, regardless of fuel type. Let someone else take the big depreciation hit and enjoy that sweet low TCO on a two year old car with low miles. I can't say that my experience with new cars is any better than a quality lease return.

[Fake Messiah]

It seems that hydrogen is better for the trains

[Mister Agenda]

And likely long-haul trucks as well.