EV Replacement Cuts Lifetime Emissions

A study led by University of California, Santa Cruz researchers finds that replacing gasoline or diesel cars and trucks with electric vehicles generally lowers lifetime greenhouse gas emissions, even after accounting for vehicle manufacturing.

The climate benefit depends on grid electricity, vehicle efficiency, and annual mileage, and is strongest on cleaner grids while remaining favorable in many more carbon-intensive regions. Low-mileage vehicles, rarely used second cars, and some plug-in hybrids are important exceptions, making targeted replacement incentives more appropriate than universal early scrappage.