Sorry, EVs won't save the planet says study

A British study has labelled as a "myth" the idea that a wholesale switch to electric cars (EVs) would automatically reduce CO2 emissions and dependence on oil.

The British Environmental Transport Association (ETA) report found that while EVs offer significant potential environmental benefits, these would be wholly dependent on changes in the way electricity was generated, energy-taxed and CO2 emissions regulated.

For example, it said that under the current EU emissions trading system, sales of electric cars are likely to result in higher overall CO2 emissions and oil consumption.

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."

Britain still gets most of its electricity from burning fossil fuel. Natural gas plants provide 53 per cent of British electricity, coal 44 per cent, oil 2 per cent, and others, including nuclear, 1 per cent.

In New Zealand, electricity is largely generated from hydro, gas, coal and geothermal resources.

The ETA report highlighted key findings:

* Performance: Electric cars powered by wind or solar energy are obviously superior, but if the electricity comes from coal, hybrid cars perform better.

* Price: There is potential for improvement in performance and reduction of costs in the medium-term, but not enough to suggest electric cars could compete head-on with conventional vehicles within the next two decades.

* CO2 emissions: The EU emissions trading system implies that plug-in electric cars would not increase CO2 emissions, because the power sector is covered by the scheme. However, if this trading scheme remains unchanged, sales of electric cars are likely to result in higher overall CO2 emissions and oil consumption.

* Popularity: Low running costs of electric vehicles would lead to more demand for car transport, and make necessary the taxation of electricity. On-board metering of electricity use would be a key requirement.

* National Grid: Even if the (British) 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 increased use of coal and nuclear power.

The report says it is unlikely that electric vehicles will number more than 25 per cent of new sales by 2050, but in order to speed the uptake of the technology and manage the transition, it recommends three measures: a stringent CO2 standard for cars, on-board metering of electricity use and de-carbonising the power sector.

"The best way to promote electric-powered transport is to tighten long-term CO2 standards for cars, from 120g/km in EU countries by 2012 to 80g/km by 2020, and 60g/km by 2025, while increasing fuel taxes," it says.

"A lack of stringent CO2 standards removes the main incentive for the motor industry to invest in electrification."

It says road-tax exemption and grants for electric cars should be abolished: "Electric cars must be rewarded for their energy efficiency, not for moving emissions from exhaust pipes to power station chimneys."

France's Citroen is the latest mainstream carmaker to launch an EV city car. Called the C-Zero, it will go on sale in France late next year. France produces most of its electricty from nuclear plants.

The C-Zero will be a sister-model to Peugeot's iOn electric car, unveiled at the Frankfurt motor show. Both cars are based on Mitsubishi's plug-in i-MiEV.

The four-seat C-Zero has an electric motor that delivers 47kW, and is powered by a 330-volt lithium-ion battery system with 88 cells mounted in the centre of the car.

The car's battery system can be fully charged from a domestic power outlet in six hours, or up to 80 per cent of its charge in 30 minutes.

The car has a 166-litre capacity boot, a top speed of 130km/h, and a range of around 130km.

Mitsubishi's plug-in i-MiEV - the first electric vehicle to receive Australian Design Rule approval - is already doing the test rounds in New Zealand, and will arrive in greater numbers over the next two years.

Nissan's plug-in EV hatchback, the Leaf, is expected to be available for lease in Auckland by 2011, through car rental company Europcar.

Nissan expects the five-door will cost around $37,500 and command monthly repayments and running costs on par with a same-sized family hatchback. Toyota NZ is planning to trial a plug-in version of the latest hybrid Prius next year.