Are electric cars more environmentally friendly than combustion engine vehicles?
Electric cars are gaining popularity as an environmentally friendly alternative to combustion engine vehicles. Their increasing presence on the roads is driven by the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and finding more sustainable transport solutions. Electric cars are often presented as a greener option, but their actual environmental impact depends on many factors. In countries where electricity comes mainly from renewable sources, they can indeed help reduce CO₂ emissions. However, in Poland, where a significant share of electricity is still generated from coal, their environmental friendliness is debatable. Additionally, the production and disposal of batteries place a considerable burden on the environment.
How electric cars work
Electric cars (Battery Electric Vehicles, BEVs) are vehicles powered exclusively by electricity stored in batteries. The key components of such a vehicle include:
- Battery, which stores electrical energy, most commonly in the form of lithium-ion batteries.
- Electric motor, which converts electrical energy from the battery into mechanical energy to drive the vehicle's wheels.
- Energy management system, which controls the distribution of energy between the battery and the motor, optimizing vehicle performance.
While driving, energy from the battery powers the electric motor, which drives the wheels. During regenerative braking, kinetic energy is recovered and converted back into electricity to recharge the battery.
Why are electric cars considered more attractive than combustion engine vehicles?
Electric cars offer many benefits that make them an attractive alternative to combustion engine vehicles. First and foremost, they emit no exhaust fumes while driving, which helps improve air quality in cities and reduce smog. They are also more energy-efficient, as electric motors are more than twice as efficient and use a larger portion of the supplied energy to power the vehicle.
Additionally, operating electric vehicles involves lower costs per 100 km, and the vehicles themselves require less maintenance due to fewer moving parts. Electric cars are also quieter than combustion engine vehicles, which enhances driving comfort and reduces noise levels in urban areas. With advancing technology and a growing number of charging stations, they are becoming an increasingly functional means of transport, especially for daily use.
Disadvantages and environmental impact of electric cars
Despite their many advantages, electric cars also have significant drawbacks, both in terms of usability and environmental impact. A major downside is their limited range on a single charge, which, although improving with technological development, is still lower than that of combustion engine vehicles. Additionally, the charging process takes much longer than refueling, and the charging station infrastructure is still insufficiently developed, especially outside major cities.
From an environmental perspective, electric cars are not completely emission-free, as is commonly believed, because their environmental impact depends on the source of the electricity used to charge them. In Poland, where a large portion of electricity comes from coal-fired power plants, the CO₂ emissions associated with electric vehicle use are comparable to those of combustion engine cars. Moreover, battery production involves intensive extraction of raw materials such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel, leading to environmental degradation and high greenhouse gas emissions. The disposal of used batteries also poses a challenge, as their recycling is expensive and technologically complex.
Therefore, electric cars are not a fully eco-friendly solution, and their real benefits depend on the development of clean energy sources and effective battery recycling methods. However, it is important to mention the advantages of electric cars, such as undeniably lower energy consumption, especially in urban areas, the undoubted driving pleasure, and - from an industry perspective - simpler construction, fewer service requirements, and significantly greater possibilities for sharing product platforms across various body types.
What is the future of electric cars?
In Poland, at the end of January 2024, there were 6,086 publicly accessible charging points for electric vehicles, including 3,362 stations. 27% of them were fast DC charging points, while 63% were AC sources with a power output of 22 kW or less. New public charging locations are constantly being launched, and from January 1, 2025, buildings with more than 20 parking spaces will be required to have an EV charging point. According to the Electromobility Act, this obligation will apply to hospitals, shopping centers, hotels, warehouses, and stores.
Additionally, forecasts indicate a significant increase in electric vehicle sales in Western Europe in 2025, with a projected 2.7 million units sold — a 40% increase compared to the previous year. Battery-powered vehicles are expected to hold a 22% market share, rising from the previous 15–17% range. As battery technology and charging infrastructure continue to develop, and as government policies support electromobility, electric cars have the potential to become the dominant form of transportation.
Is it worth developing this market segment?
Electric cars offer a range of significant advantages that go beyond environmental concerns. One of their key strengths is exceptional driving dynamics. Electric motors provide full torque from the moment the vehicle starts moving, resulting in an immediate response to pressing the accelerator. As a result, even electric models in the popular segment often outperform their combustion counterparts in terms of performance, while selected premium-class models achieve acceleration comparable to sports cars.
From an operational standpoint, electric cars feature a simplified mechanical design, resulting in lower failure risk and reduced maintenance costs. The absence of a traditional gearbox, clutch, exhaust system, or injection components significantly reduces the number of parts prone to wear. Moreover, there is no need for regular oil changes, filter replacements, or timing belt services, which translates into measurable long-term savings for the user.
Electric cars are perfectly suited for urban traffic, where frequent stopping and starting favor the efficient use of electric propulsion. Regenerative braking not only extends vehicle range but also reduces brake system wear. Driving comfort in the city is further enhanced by the nearly silent operation of the motor and smooth acceleration, which reduces the stress associated with navigating congested urban areas.
Another important advantage is the ability to charge the vehicle at home, eliminating the need for regular visits to gas stations. For many users, this means the convenience of daily mobility — the car can be charged overnight and be fully ready in the morning. This kind of convenience, combined with the growing availability of public charging points, significantly influences the perception of electromobility as a viable alternative to traditional drivetrains.
It is also worth highlighting the numerous incentives offered to electric vehicle users. Depending on the country and local regulations, they may benefit from preferential tax rates, purchase subsidies, free parking, access to bus lanes, or entry into low-emission zones. These factors, combined with the increasingly diverse range of models on the market, make electric cars an attractive option — not just from an environmental standpoint, but above all in terms of efficiency, convenience, and the economics of everyday use.
Summary
It is currently impossible to clearly state whether electric cars are the sole solution to mobility challenges. It is certainly a technology that will undergo further, possibly revolutionary, changes. It is also worth paying attention to the production process, which, in the context of all discussions around electric cars, is undoubtedly the weakest environmental link.
Electric cars are a technology that is still evolving, and their full potential will depend on future innovations and infrastructure development. Although they already offer benefits such as lower operating costs and reduced air pollution in cities, we must not forget the challenges they still face. Political decisions and progress in the implementation of renewable energy sources are both crucial for the continued development of electromobility.
Looking ahead, the transition to electric cars can bring significant benefits, but proper management of this process will be equally important — not only to reduce emissions but also to ensure sustainable development. As global investments in renewable energy and recycling increase, electric vehicles may become a key element in building a more environmentally friendly and sustainable transportation system.
