Are Electric Cars Better for the Environment in 2025?

Electric Vehicles 

Electric cars aren’t a new invention. They have been evolving since the start of the nineteenth century to the sleek, modern versions which adorn our roads today. The rising cost of living and petrol prices caused manufacturers to design alternatives to the combustion engine towards the end of the twentieth century, and the result was the birth of the hybrid and fully electric cars available now.

Plug-in hybrid (PHEV), mild hybrid and battery electric vehicles (BEV) depend on battery-powered motors, making them a cleaner choice, and as governments push for net-zero targets and the costs of electric vehicles become more affordable, the adoption of EVs is soaring.

Whilst playing a crucial role in reducing emissions and pollution, electric cars’ effect on the environment depends on several factors such as energy sources, infrastructure development as well as emissions. Let’s explore how EVs compare to traditional combustion engine-driven vehicles in terms of benefits and challenges in 2025.

Energy Sources and Charging

Impact of Electricity Generation

Electric cars’ effect on the environment depends largely on how the electricity used for charging is created. If the electricity used to power them is created by coal or gas, then the emissions remain higher. However, with the UK reaching around 40% renewably sourced energy by the end of 2024, EVs are becoming more and more of a ‘clean’ option.

Green energy initiatives

The government is promoting renewable energy for charging stations with grants and initiatives for businesses and homeowners. Installing solar panels for vehicle charging helps create clean energy and reduces reliance on fossil fuels.

With smart charging solutions and energy storage systems, emissions can be further cut down and green electricity maximised.

Benefits of Electric Cars for the Environment

Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions

By eliminating tailpipe emissions and reducing the dependence on fossil fuels, EVs significantly cut greenhouse gas emissions. The transport sector is one of the biggest contributors to global emissions, and EVs massively help to combat climate change by limiting the output of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and other pollutants.

Decreased air pollution

Electric vehicles produce no tailpipe emissions, thereby massively reducing harmful pollutants such as CO₂, nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) and particulate matter. This helps to directly improve air quality in cities where vehicle emissions are a leading cause of health issues, meaning governments are imposing stricter regulations.

Noise pollution reduction

As EVs make virtually no noise when compared to traditional engines, there is a reduction in noise pollution levels in cities. This is especially desirable in urban areas of high population, as it creates a less stressful environment for residents.

Challenges and Considerations

Battery production and resource use

EVs rely on a lithium-ion battery for operation and the materials that are needed to produce them, as well as the ways of extracting them, have been raising some concerns about global environmental damage and ethical sourcing.

Materials such as lithium, cobalt and nickel need to be mined and then refined which can increase sulphur dioxide (SO₂) emissions – creating pollution hotspots – and some of the chemicals used in the mining process can contaminate water supplies and soil.

Some battery mining has been linked to poor working conditions, violation of indigenous communities’ rights and even child labour in various parts of the world.

This is being addressed by car manufacturers prioritising ethical sourcing, ensuring fair labour practices and eliminating child labour, and by organisations that are driving efforts to make companies adopt sustainable practices for their materials.

Recycling and disposal

EV batteries have a lifespan of up to 20 years, but they can cause a significant problem when they need to be changed, as the harmful materials they contain can cause risks to ecosystems and public health if not disposed of properly.

Organisations are developing ways to handle the recycling or reusing of old EV batteries. They can be used for solar panel energy storage, meaning renewable energy can become more reliable even when the sun isn’t shining.

Infrastructure development

Whilst the charging infrastructure has been rapidly growing to support the uptake of EV cars, there are still vast areas where accessibility to charging networks hasn’t been touched. Rural and underdeveloped areas need increased investment in developing the necessary infrastructure to make EVs practical for all drivers.

Comparison with Conventional Vehicles

Emissions during operation

Petrol and diesel cars continuously emit CO₂ and other pollutants as a by-product of the combustion engine. These pollutants contribute to climate change, smog and respiratory diseases. Even the latest and most fuel-efficient petrol cars can’t match the zero-emission benefits of an EV.

As cities implement clean air zones and low-emission restrictions and work towards the zero-emission vehicle mandate (ZEV), more limitations and costs are being made for traditional engine-driven vehicles, and even hybrid cars, making EVs the more cost-effective, long-term solution for the environment.

Fuel production impact

The production of fossil fuels has a huge impact on the environment. Oil drilling disrupts ecosystems and often leads to deforestation, water pollution and destruction of natural habitats. Refining crude oil releases harmful emissions, and transporting it globally adds further to the carbon footprint.

Although electricity generation has an environmental impact, the shift towards renewable energy sources means EVs have a much lower carbon footprint than petrol and diesel vehicles over their lifespans.

Future Outlook

Technological advancements

The innovation in batteries is ongoing and continues to improve the sustainability of EVs. Solid-state batteries seem expected to replace lithium-ion batteries soon and offer longer lifespans, faster charging and less reliance on materials such as lithium and cobalt.

More research is showing ways to recycle or reuse batteries to reduce waste and the requirement for newly mined materials, and as more advancements are made in energy efficiency, aerodynamics and lightweight materials, EVs are set to become an even cleaner alternative for drivers.

Policy and regulation

The UK government has set some ambitious targets to phase out the production of new petrol and diesel vehicles by 2030 and accelerate the transition to EVs. With investments in renewable energy and charging infrastructure as well as financial incentives – tax rebates, grants and subsidies – EVs become increasingly desirable and more affordable.

Conclusion

Summary of findings

Benefits of electric cars for the environment, include reduced greenhouse gas emissions and improved air quality. Other significant environmental advantages include:

• Zero tailpipe and lifetime emissions
• Renewable energy integration
• Battery recycling advancements
• Government support
• Long-term environmental impact

So, in conclusion to the question posed by this blog, are electric cars better for the environment? The answer has to be yes!

Considerations for consumers

While EVs present clear benefits, consumers should consider factors like energy sources, driving habits, and local infrastructure when evaluating their environmental impact.

Drivers looking for a way to evaluate their environmental impact in choosing an EV for their next car should consider several factors:

• Charging infrastructure – access to home, workplace or public charging stations
• Electricity source – solar panels or a provider who uses renewable energy sources
• Driving habits – daily mileage and typical journey lengths
• Vehicle range – match the range of the EV model to your lifestyle and travel requirements
• Charging time – rapid charging can improve the convenience of long-distance travel
• Battery lifespan – check warranties and expected lifespan

Benefits of leasing an EV for the environment

Leasing an EV or hybrid, whether for business or personal use, is an excellent way for consumers to reduce their environmental impact while keeping up with the latest advancements in green technology. Unlike purchasing, leasing allows drivers to upgrade to newer, more efficient models every few years, ensuring they benefit from the latest improvements in battery life, efficiency and sustainability.

Additionally, leasing eliminates concerns about long-term battery degradation, as manufacturers are increasingly implementing recycling programs for returned lease vehicles, for example,Tesla has pledged that 100% of their lithium-ion batteries are recycled.

Lease an EV with Gateway2Lease Today

For those looking to make an eco-conscious decision without a large upfront investment, leasing an EV offers a practical and financially viable solution. We’ve even investigated the most affordably priced EV cars on the market currentlymost affordably priced EV cars on the market currently in our blog. Leasing enables more people to experience electric driving, accelerating the shift towards a greener, low-emission future.

Explore Gateway2Lease’s electric vehicle leasing options to make a sustainable choice today and contact our expert team to discuss the start of your EV leasing journey.

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