Let’s stop pitting thermal cars against electric cars. Electric cars are undeniably better than their thermal cousins when it comes to their impact on the environment. But, is this really the solution to the current ecological crisis?
Rarely has a technological subject generated as much debate as that of electric cars. As we head into that future, it’s important to consider the implications this has, and whether or not leaning so blindly into electric cars is really a good thing. We promise, this article is not a story about Elon Musk, or Tesla, or a controversial position where ” oil would actually be good for us “.
And if the electric car was not the announced revolution?
Electric cars are sometimes heralded as a revolution; saviors from our addiction to gasoline and pillars in the fight for a more sustainable world. They are given the potential to dramatically improve public health and reduce ecological damage. Even the economy sees a salvation in it: electric vehicles would be the next frontier for start-ups and disproportionate returns from large groups.
Pledges were made, billions were allocated by traditional manufacturers, and dozens of startups were launched in an effort to capture additional billions. It seems that the adoption of electric vehicles is inevitable.
If, at Frandroid, we support electric cars in their quest to overtake thermal cars, I moderate this enthusiasm for their prospects on society in general. From an environmental point of view, there is nothing functionally different between an electric car and a thermal car.
The relationship is the same, and it is unequivocally environmentally destructive. Cars, no matter how powerful, are not good for the environment, they force an infrastructure of dependency that is also financially bad and dangerous for us.
In order to build a more sustainable future and a better world for humanity, we need to address the fundamental issues that got us here. Yes, electric cars are less emitting than thermal cars. But, the least emitting energy is the one that we do not consume.
Two billion cars in 2035
As the electric vehicle market is growing, the overall car market is also growing. By 2035, nearly two billion cars will be in circulation worldwide. This presents significant challenges. In 2010, 14% of global emissions came from transport. Total emissions have continued to increase over the past decade, with the transport share accelerating proportionally. This is crucial, because if we want to limit global warming, it means that we will have to reduce our total emissions.
If we don’t, we are headed for disaster. Even if every car was electric by 2035 and all production was carbon neutral (which is impossible), we would only reduce global emissions by a maximum of 20%, well below the 55% expected.
We are comparing electric cars to thermal cars, but that is not what should interest us. Instead, we need to compare development models. This distinction is essential, because development plans must include new emissions from cars, but also new construction, existing buildings, infrastructure and so on.
Simply switching to electric cars does nothing to solve the underlying cause
The challenge we face is clear: we not only need to make the transition to cleaner vehicles, but we also need to make the transition to more respectful environments in general. Simply switching to electric cars does nothing to address the underlying cause. And you may know what I’ve been talking about all along. I’m obviously talking about our private cars.
Cars need roads to drive on. It’s obvious. But what’s less obvious is the extent to which roads (and cars) dictate how our environment was built. In essence, we’ve created a world built around cars first, with people, the environment, wildlife, atmosphere and pretty much everything else taking a back seat. By deciding to build for cars first, we ceded a large part of our environment to them.
You are going to tell me… but do we have a choice? It is a perverse system. As our cities expand and grow, we find ourselves cut off from essential services like schools, businesses and doctors. If you live 30 minutes from a city center, and there is not necessarily public transport nearby, there is no other choice but to go everywhere by car. This maintains and promotes dependence.
As the current gasoline shortage shows, barriers have been erected to make reversing our car addiction nearly impossible. Our world is held hostage.
Let’s suspend reality for a moment and imagine that electric cars would solve all climate problems on their own. This reasoning assumes that environmental impact is the only issue. As promising as it is, it only tells part of the story.
Building a world around cars presents dangers for all of us. 1.35 million people worldwide die in car accidents every year. It’s unacceptable, but for some reason it’s accepted. We can’t do anything about it, we have the same fatalism that we would have in the face of a natural disaster. Whether electric or thermal, autonomous or not, the car will continue to kill.
And, if it does not do so because of a shock, an indirect collision or reckless driving, they do it more perniciously by damage to health and with equally devastating consequences. Obesity, diabetes, lung disease (due to pollution), heart disease or any other ailments are associated with this sedentary lifestyle.
A corollary to the deterioration of our physical health is that of our mental health. Indeed, in the car, spontaneous interactions are reduced to almost zero. Each meeting must be planned. In addition, we develop defensive mindsets. Not to mention those who cannot drive, or who cannot afford the expenses associated with owning a car. Especially since the price of electric cars is excessively high. This is a vector of deep injustice.
All of these issues arise from a series of choices that do not put us at the heart of our decisions. Not only do electric cars not solve these many pressing threats on their own, but they compound them through the perpetuation of a failing system. Substituting electric cars for thermal cars does not change the underlying development model.
We need to tackle the root causes
Instead of walking idly by thinking that electric cars will save us, we need to address the root causes of the evil that is eating away at our world. Yes, we must invest in sustainable and clean cars. But we should also facilitate micro-mobility solutions (like bicycles, scooters and public transport). All of these solutions can be green. Most importantly, we must make it safe and possible to walk wherever it is needed. So, above all, we have to stop building car-dependent development models. Finally, all these changes must be based on the use of sustainable technologies and standards.
If the switch to electric cars is a step in the right direction, it is only a step. We can make meaningful changes, but we have to be brave enough to do so.
Survoltés is a new program from Frandroid on the electric car. For this first episode, we put our feet in the dish. Are electric cars more ecological than thermal and hybrid cars?
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