Rajan Wilcox
Electric vehicles (EVs) are often touted as a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional cars. However, the extent of their environmental benefits has been a subject of debate, especially when considering the power sources used to fuel them. In this regard, the question arises: do cars get fueled by coal, and if so, how does it impact the environment? While coal-powered cars are not a common sight today, the electricity used to charge electric vehicles may come from coal-fired power plants, which could potentially offset their positive climate impact.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Coal-powered cars | In 1932, a Philadelphia inventor experimented with a car/locomotive hybrid that ran on coal. |
| Electric cars powered by coal | Electric cars are cleaner than gas-powered cars even when powered by coal. |
| Electric cars and climate change | Electric vehicles help tackle climate change in all but the most coal-reliant countries, which make up 95% of the global market. |
| Electric cars and renewable energy | In countries with a heavily decarbonized system, such as Sweden and France, electric cars have up to 70% lower lifetime emissions than petrol cars. |
| Electric cars and the grid | The increased demand for electricity from electric cars may lead to a greater reliance on coal-fired power plants if renewable energy sources are not developed. |
| Electric cars and emissions | Electric vehicles have lower carbon emissions than gas-powered cars, even when charged from a grid powered by fossil fuels, due to their higher fuel efficiency. |
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What You'll Learn
Electric cars are cleaner than gas cars, even when powered by coal
Electric vehicles (EVs) are often criticized for needing to be charged from electricity generated by fossil fuels, such as coal. However, studies have shown that EVs are still cleaner than gasoline-powered cars, even in places where the electricity is primarily generated by coal.
The main argument against electric cars is that they are only as clean as the energy sources that power them. In other words, if an electric car is charged using electricity generated by coal, it is no cleaner than a conventional car. However, this argument ignores the profound efficiency advantages of electric vehicles.
EVs consume fuel at a much lower rate than conventional cars. For example, the Honda Civic, a car known for its fuel efficiency, averages 36 miles per gallon (MPG), while the Tesla Model 3, an electric car of similar size, delivers 132 MPGe (the EPA's measure of efficiency for electric vehicles). This is a 367% efficiency advantage over the Honda. In fact, there are 17 EV models available in the US that deliver more than 100 MPGe, and none of the gas-powered vehicles come close.
This efficiency advantage means that, even when charged using electricity generated by coal, EVs produce fewer emissions than conventional cars. In fact, a study by the universities of Exeter, Cambridge, and Nijmegen found that electric cars lead to lower carbon emissions overall, even in countries that are heavily reliant on coal. In countries with a heavily decarbonized system, such as Sweden and France, electric cars have up to a 70% lower carbon footprint than petrol cars. In the UK, which still has a significant number of gas-fired power plants, emissions from electric cars are around 30% lower.
As power systems around the world continue to move away from coal and towards renewable and nuclear energy, the advantages of EVs will only grow. By 2050, half of the cars on the road could be electric, which would result in a reduction of up to 1.5 gigatons of CO2 emissions per year.
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The Chinese electricity market is heavily dependent on coal
China's total installed electric generation capacity in 2023 was 2.92 TW, of which 1.26 TW was from renewable sources, including wind and solar power. Despite the increasing contribution of renewable energy sources, coal still plays a dominant role in China's electricity sector. In May 2024, coal's share of the power generation mix dropped to a record low of 53%, mainly due to the expansion of clean energy sources.
The Chinese government has implemented measures to reduce coal consumption and achieve its carbon neutrality goals. They have closed small and dirty coal mines, instituted administrative caps on coal output, and invested in renewable energy sources such as hydropower, wind, and solar power. However, the transition away from coal has faced challenges, and coal continues to be a significant source of electricity generation in China.
The heavy dependence on coal for electricity generation in China has implications for electric vehicles (EVs). While EVs are more efficient and have lower carbon emissions than traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, the cleanliness of the electricity grid they charge from is crucial. In areas where coal is the primary source of electricity generation, the environmental benefits of EVs may be diminished. This is because the production of electricity from coal contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and pollution.
Overall, the Chinese electricity market's heavy dependence on coal has complex implications for the environment and the transition to cleaner energy sources, including electric vehicles. While China has made strides towards reducing coal consumption and investing in renewables, coal continues to play a significant role in its electricity sector.
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The US has seen a decline in coal as a grid fuel
Electric vehicles (EVs) are often touted as a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. However, the environmental benefits of EVs are called into question when they are charged using electricity generated from fossil fuels, such as coal. In the United States, the use of coal as a grid fuel has been on a steady decline. From being the primary source of electricity generation, coal has dropped to just 21% of the US energy mix in 2022, down from about 45% in 2010. This decline is projected to continue, with the EIA predicting that coal's market share could drop to as low as 10-13% in 2024.
There are several factors contributing to the decline of coal as a grid fuel in the US. Firstly, the rise of cheap and plentiful natural gas has displaced coal in power systems and made it more economically viable to retire old coal-fired plants. Additionally, the expansion of renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power, has also contributed to the decline of coal. The growth of renewables is expected to continue, with low costs all but assuring the expansion of wind, solar, and other low-carbon sources. Political forces, such as the Clean Air Act of 1970, have also played a role in restricting emissions from coal-fired power plants and incentivizing the transition to cleaner energy sources.
While the US has seen a decline in coal as a grid fuel, it is important to note that coal-fired power generation still plays a significant role in the country's energy mix. Additionally, the recent uptick in global coal-fired generation, driven by high natural gas prices and extreme weather events, has pushed CO2 emissions from coal-fired power plants to record levels. However, this is expected to be a temporary glitch, and the overall trend is towards a decline in coal-fired generation, with many countries working towards phasing out unabated coal generation by 2040 to meet Net Zero Emissions targets.
The decline in coal as a grid fuel has had a significant impact on the US coal industry and coal-fired power plants. The shutdown of old power plants has resulted in job losses and a decrease in coal production. Coal stockpiles have surged, and the amount of coal used each day in the US has seen a significant drop. This has led to concerns about energy security, especially in the short term, and the need for regulatory and operational changes to manage the transition to alternative energy sources.
Despite the decline of coal as a grid fuel, it is still a significant source of electricity generation in the US and globally. While the transition to cleaner energy sources is underway, it is important to manage this transition securely and affordably to ensure a stable energy supply while working towards reducing emissions and meeting Net Zero targets.
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Electric cars may increase reliance on coal in the absence of renewables
Electric cars are powered by electricity, which has to be generated from a source. In the absence of renewable energy sources, electric cars may increase reliance on coal as a power source. This is because, with a rise in the number of electric cars, the demand for electricity will increase. Unless a significant amount of electricity is sourced from renewables, coal-fired plants will continue to be used and may even increase to meet the demand.
The use of electric cars is not necessarily beneficial for the environment if it means trading reliance on gasoline, which is a fossil fuel, for coal, which is even dirtier. The burning of coal releases mercury, carbon dioxide, and other toxins into the atmosphere and water bodies. However, electric cars powered by coal are still cleaner than gas-powered cars because they consume fuel at a much lower rate, resulting in fewer emissions per mile.
In some parts of the world, the electricity market is heavily dependent on coal. For example, in 2022, coal provided 29% of the Netherlands' electricity, and it is predicted to remain at a similar level by 2030. In the United States, coal provided 21% of the country's electricity in 2022, down from 45% in 2010. While renewables are increasing, the overall demand for electricity is also rising, keeping the percentage of coal-generated electricity high.
To reduce the reliance on coal and improve the environmental impact of electric cars, a simultaneous increase in renewable energy sources is necessary. This includes solar and wind power, which do not create carbon pollution. In addition, making electric grids "`smarter`" through the use of monitoring technologies can help manage the demand for electricity and reduce the need for new coal plants.
While the development of renewable energy sources is crucial, it is important to note that the manufacturing of electric vehicles is a more carbon-intensive process than building a vehicle with an internal combustion engine. Therefore, a comprehensive approach that considers both the generation of electricity and the production of electric vehicles is necessary to reduce the environmental impact of electric cars and decrease reliance on coal.
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A coal-powered car was experimented with in 1932
The idea of powering cars with alternative fuel sources is not new. In 1932, a Philadelphia inventor experimented with a car/locomotive hybrid that ran on coal. This was in response to rising gasoline prices at the time. While this coal-powered car never took off, it is interesting to look back at this moment in automotive history as an early attempt to move away from traditional gasoline.
The history of automotive fuel experimentation goes back even further. In the 18th and 19th centuries, the first steam-powered vehicles were developed, and by the 1850s, they were being produced commercially. These steam-powered cars used wood or coal to generate power. One example is the 1884 DeDion steamer, which predates Karl Benz's gasoline-powered Motorwagen. Steam engines remained popular in early automobiles, with the Stanley Steamer outselling gasoline-powered cars in the early 1900s and setting a land-speed record in 1906.
Electric cars also have a long history, with early experiments dating back to the 19th century. English inventor Thomas Parker built his first electric car in 1884, and in 1899, Camille Jenatzy broke the 100 km/h (62 mph) speed barrier in his electric vehicle. However, the electric automobile industry stagnated, and by the 1930s, it had effectively disappeared. It wasn't until the energy crises of the 1970s and 1980s that there was a renewed interest in electric vehicles due to their perceived independence from the hydrocarbon energy market.
Today, the discussion around coal and cars often revolves around the electricity used to power electric vehicles (EVs). In many parts of the world, electricity generation still relies heavily on coal, so the environmental impact of EVs is dependent on the power mix of the grid they're plugged into. While some argue that EVs are dirtier than gasoline cars in terms of total emissions, most studies show that EVs are cleaner, even when charged from a grid powered by fossil fuels like coal.
In conclusion, while a coal-powered car was experimented with in 1932, the concept of alternative fuel sources for vehicles is not new. The history of automotive fuel experimentation includes steam-powered cars, electric cars, and more. Today, the focus is on reducing emissions and finding sustainable solutions, with EVs playing a significant role despite the ongoing debate about their carbon footprint.
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Frequently asked questions
No, cars are not fuelled directly by coal. However, electric cars are powered by electricity, which in some countries is generated by coal.
In countries with a heavily decarbonised system, such as Sweden and France, electric cars have up to 70% lower lifetime emissions than petrol cars. In the UK, which is phasing out coal, emissions are around 30% lower. A study found that in 53 of 59 regions, including the US, China and most of Europe, electric cars are less emission-intensive than fossil fuel alternatives.
Yes, electric cars can be charged using solar power or other forms of clean, renewable energy.
