Study Says EVs Powered by Coal-Generated Electricity Can Still Lower CO2 Emissions

In countries that rely on coal generated electricity, many contend that using electric vehicles cannot do much in terms of reducing carbon dioxide emissions. Mainly because when charging up an electric vehicle (EV) with a heat pump, the electricity being transferred is still from fossil-fueled power generators. Yet a recent study conducted by university researchers arrived at a conclusion that even if electric cars use coal-generated electricity, overall reduction of carbon emissions can still be achieved.

The results of the study conducted by researchers of UK’s Cambridge and Exeter Universities were published in the journal Nature Sustainability. After grouping countries into 59 regions, the researchers accounted for differences in technology used for power generation. They also took into account the existing electric cars that use heat pumps in transferring energy from coal-generated electricity.

The findings confirmed that in 53 regions that included China, the US and majority of European countries, the use of heat pumps still resulted in less intensive CO2 emissions, when compared to other regions that use only petrol-fueled vehicles. The researchers’ analysis also showed that on a global level, household electric heat pumps helped in lowering CO2 emissions than 95% of those that purely rely on fossil fuel for their energy.

The study estimated that by using heat pumps on a global scale, CO2 emissions throughout the world, can go down by 0.8 gigatons per year in 2050 — an amount that equals Germany’s current yearly emissions. Based on their findings, the study stated that even in our present worst-case scenarios, reductions in CO2 emissions can still be achieved in all cases.

The Future of Electric Vehicles in Australia

While the study’s finding could settle the debate over the use of petrol-fueled vehicles versus EVs that use heat pumps deriving energy from fossil-fueled generators, the future of EVs in Australia still face many challenges.

EV adoption in Australia remains slow, as automotive consumers are wary that there are not enough public recharging stations across the country. Moreover, the initial cost of investing in EVs are relatively higher when compared to the cost of traditional petrol-fueled vehicles. Inasmuch as Australia is one of the leading suppliers of global coal, there is lack of government incentives for EV-adoption, which could help reduce or offset the cost of an EV investment.

According to a 2019 price report, the upfront price range of a brand new electric car is between $46,000 and $260,000.

Financial Advice from National Loans Australia

National Loans Australia gives advice to Australian automotive consumers that when purchasing any kind of vehicle, whether petrol-fueled or electric cars, it would be best to first make a study of their financing options. That way, they can shop around for vehicle financing options based on their personal financial circumstances. Automotive consumers should keep in mind that the financing offers of car dealers are not always the best fit for all types of buyers.

Australians planning to buy a new vehicle or even to refinance their vehicle, can use National Loans Australia website’s (nationalloans.com.au), Loan Pre-Approval tool, free of charge. The results of the Pre-Approval assessment will provide a purchaser, a clearer picture about his or her financing options. The financing experts of National Loans Australia will then help connect a purchaser to a bank or financing institution and/or dealer that can provide a car-financing deal that best suits the automotive consumer.

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