A red light for the green car?

Summary: Switching over to electric cars may not reduce CO2 emissions, according to a report from the Environmental Transport Association (ETA).

Switching over to using electric cars may not necessarily reduce carbon dioxide emissions or our dependence on oil, according to a new report from the Environmental Transport Association (ETA).

The report said that although there are significant potential environmental benefits from using electric vehicles, they would depend on changes in the way electricity is generated, energy is taxed and CO2 emissions are regulated.

The report also added that it is unlikely that electric vehicles would number more than 25 per cent of new sales by 2050.

The ETA says that under the current EU emissions trading system, sales of electric cars are likely to result in higher overall CO2 emissions and oil consumption.

It added that even if the National Grid has the capacity and the basic infrastructure to meet the needs of electric cars, the new demand patterns they will create may mean greater use of coal and nuclear power.

ETA director Andrew Davis said: "While the report is not intended to dampen enthusiasm for electric vehicles, their introduction should not be viewed as a panacea. Significant changes to the way we produce and tax power are needed before we will reap any benefits."

From the European lobby group Transport & Environment, the report recommended that CO2 emission standards for cars should be considerably tightened and fuel taxes increased, saying that a lack of stringent CO2 standards removed the main incentive for the motor industry to invest in electric vehicles.

Independent Television News Limited 2009. All rights reserved.

Independent Television News Limited 2009. All rights reserved.

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