Are electric cars more environmentally friendly than combustion cars?

Principle of operation of electric cars

Electric cars (Battery Electric Vehicles, BEV) are vehicles powered exclusively by electricity stored in batteries. The key components of such a vehicle are:

• A battery that stores electrical energy, most often in the form of lithium-ion batteries.
• An electric motor that converts electrical energy from the battery into mechanical energy, powering the vehicle's wheels.
• An energy management system that controls the distribution of energy between the battery and the engine, optimizing the vehicle's efficiency.

While driving, the energy from the battery powers the electric motor that powers the wheels. In the process of regenerative braking, kinetic energy is recovered and converted back into electrical energy, charging the battery.

Why are electric cars considered more attractive than combustion cars?

Electric cars offer many benefits that make them an attractive alternative to combustion cars. First of all, they do not emit exhaust fumes while driving, which helps improve air quality in cities and reduce smog. They are also more energy efficient, because electric motors are more than twice as efficient and use a larger portion of the supplied energy to drive the vehicle.

Additionally, operating electric cars is associated with lower costs per 100 km, and the vehicles themselves require less maintenance due to fewer moving parts. Electric cars are also quieter than combustion cars, which affects travel comfort and reduces noise levels in urban spaces. With the development of technology and the growing number of charging stations, they are becoming an increasingly functional means of transport, especially in everyday use.

Disadvantages and impact of electric cars on the environment

Despite their numerous advantages, electric cars also have significant disadvantages, both in terms of utility and ecology. A major disadvantage is the limited range on a single charge, which, although improving with the development of technology, is still smaller than in the case of combustion vehicles. Additionally, the charging process takes much longer than refueling, and the charging station infrastructure is still not sufficiently developed, especially outside large cities.

"In terms of ecology, electric cars are not completely emission-free, as is commonly believed, because their impact on the environment depends on the source of energy used to charge them. In Poland, where a large part of the electricity comes from coal-fired power plants, CO₂ emissions associated with the use of electric vehicles are comparable to those of combustion cars. Additionally, battery production involves intensive extraction of raw materials such as lithium, cobalt and nickel, which leads to environmental degradation and high greenhouse gas emissions. Disposing of used batteries is also a challenge, because their recycling is expensive and technologically complicated.

Therefore, electric cars are not a fully ecological solution, and their real benefits depend on the development of clean energy sources and effective battery recycling methods. However, it is impossible not to mention the advantages of electric cars, such as undeniably lower energy consumption, especially in the city, unquestionable driving pleasure, and also in terms of the industry - lower structural complexity, no need for frequent servicing, as well as much greater possibilities of sharing product platforms for different types of bodies." comments Dr. Eng. Piotr Danielski, CEO of DB Energy.

What is the future of electric cars?

In Poland, at the end of January 2024, there were 6,086 publicly available charging points for electric vehicles, including 3,362 stations. 27% of them were fast direct current (DC) charging points, and 63% were alternating current (AC) sources with a power of less than or equal to 22 kW. New public places are constantly being opened where you can charge your car, and from January 1, 2025, there must be a place to charge an electric car next to non-residential buildings with more than 20 parking spaces. According to the Electromobility Act, this obligation will cover hospitals, shopping centers, hotels, warehouses, and stores.

Additionally, forecasts indicate a significant increase in electric vehicle sales in Western Europe in 2025, with an expected number of 2.7 million units, which is a 40% increase compared to the previous year. The market share of battery cars is expected to reach 22%, up from the current range of 15–17%. As battery technology and charging infrastructure develop and government policies support electromobility, electric cars are poised to become the dominant form of transport.

Is it worth developing this market segment?

Electric cars offer a number of significant advantages that go beyond environmental protection. One of the key advantages is their exceptional driving dynamics. Electric engines provide full torque from the moment they start, which translates into the vehicle's immediate response to pressing the accelerator pedal. Thanks to this, even electric models belonging to the popular segment often outperform their combustion counterparts in terms of performance, and selected premium designs achieve acceleration comparable to sports cars.

From the point of view of operation, electric cars are characterized by a simplified mechanical design, which translates into a lower risk of failure and lower service costs. The lack of a classic gearbox, clutch, exhaust system or injection system elements significantly reduces the number of components exposed to wear. Additionally, there is no need to regularly change engine oil, filters or timing belts, which in the long term translates into measurable savings for the user.

Electric cars are perfect for city traffic, where frequent stopping and starting promotes the efficient use of the electric drive. Recuperation, or energy recovery during braking, not only increases the vehicle's range, but also reduces the wear of the braking system. Driving comfort in the city is additionally improved by the almost silent operation of the engine and smooth acceleration, which reduces the stress associated with everyday driving in crowded agglomerations.

Another significant advantage is the ability to charge the vehicle at home, which eliminates the need for regular visits to petrol stations. For many users, this means the comfort of everyday mobility - the car can be charged at night, so that it is fully ready for the road in the morning. This type of convenience, combined with the growing availability of public charging points, significantly affects the perception of electromobility as a real alternative to traditional drives.

It is also worth highlighting a number of reliefs and incentives offered to users of electric vehicles. Depending on the country and local regulations, they can benefit from preferential tax rates, purchase subsidy programs, free parking, the possibility of driving in bus lanes or entering restricted traffic zones. These elements, combined with the increasingly wide range of models available on the market, make electric cars an attractive proposition not only for the environment, but above all from the perspective of efficiency, comfort and economy of everyday use.

Summary

It is currently impossible to clearly state whether electric cars are the only solution to the mobility problem. It is certainly a technology that will undergo several changes, perhaps revolutionary ones. It is also worth taking this opportunity to pay attention to the production process, which in the context of all discussions about electric cars is certainly the weakest ecological link in the puzzle.

Electric cars are a technology that is still developing, and their full potential will depend on future innovations and infrastructure development. While they already offer benefits in the form of lower operating costs and reduced air pollution in cities, there are challenges they face. Both political decisions and progress in the implementation of renewable energy sources are crucial to enable further development of electromobility. The future of electric cars depends on a balance between environmental benefits and the need to adapt infrastructure and vehicle and battery production methods to changing market needs.

Looking ahead, the transformation towards electric cars can bring significant benefits, but it will be equally important to manage this process appropriately, not only to support emission reductions but also to ensure sustainable development. As investment in renewable energy and recycling increases around the world, electric vehicles could become a key element in building a greener and more sustainable transportation system.