New study proves EVs pump out less CO2, results hold true across 95% of the world

A new study comes as a major thumbs up for EVs, as it proves that driving them emits less CO2 than their petrol or diesel counterparts — and this holds across 95% of the world. There are regional differences though, based on the source of electricity used to charge the vehicles. For example, EVs emit 70% less CO2 in France and Sweden, which get most of its power from non-fossil sources, while the gap shrinks to 30% for the UK, where natural gas is still a major player.

The study’s methodology covers all significant automotive markets, and it predicts that by 2050, every second car (presumably being sold) could be an EV. If achieved, this could lessen global CO2 emissions by up to 1.5 gigatons every year.

EV sales plummet in China, but Tesla the sole exception

The coronavirus pandemic has pulled China’s EV sales down by 77% over last February, with only 11,000 units sold in the month. Its three strongest performers, BYD, BJEV and NIO, posted sales declines of 80%, 66% and 56%, respectively. 

However, with its “contactless test drives”, Tesla sold 3,900 units in February, which was an improvement over the 2,620 units it sold in January. The figures may improve even further as the Chinese government is urging regional administrations to increase their EV sales — which may come at a significant increase in EV subsidies. 

Energy storage market contracts in Europe over covid-19 disruptions

Europe’s grid-connected energy storage market contracted to 1GWh in 2019 (over 1.47GWh in 2018) due to fears that the then-developing covid-19 pandemic would stymie growth for renewables. The grid-connected storage sector is key to bringing more renewables online, but it relies on time-taking government approvals and engineering tenders for renewable projects, several of which are currently stalled. 

However, the region’s off-grid storage solutions market continues to flourish, and the EU is reportedly planning a clean energy (stimulus) package that should revive growth for large-scale storage projects.

USA’s XNRGI inaugurates li-ion battery plant in Gurgaon 

USA’s XNRGI has inaugurated its 240MWh/year High Temperature (HT) lithium-ion battery manufacturing plant in Gurugram (Gurgaon), and it aims to especially cater to India’s fast growing e-rickshaw market. 

The firm says its batteries can be charged to 80% of their capacity in two hours, and are designed to operate temperatures exceeding 55°C — which makes them ideally suited to Southeast Asia, MENA (Middle East and North Africa) and the central and southern parts of North America.

Editorial Team

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A team of handpicked and dedicated writers committed to fact check each climate-related statement. Go to the roots and intent of each policy implemented, internationally and at home to help you understand climate better

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