Variance of pollution effects related to electric vehicles.

[NNadir]

An interesting web site:

http://www.electroauto.com/info/pollmyth.shtml

"Among the alternatives are ultra-low emission vehicles (ULEVs) and zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs). ULEVs are equipped with emission controls that release only 45 pounds of carbon monoxide per 12,000 miles. ZEVs produce no tailpipe emissions at all. ZEVs include vehicles powered by electricity, flywheels, hydrogen fuel cells, and other zero emission energy sources. Although some ZEVs are still in the experimental stage, electric vehicles (EVs) are available today. In fact, more EVs roamed the nation's roads in the early 1900's than did gas-powered cars...


...One of the most common issues surrounding EVs today is their status as ZEVs. Critics proclaim that EVs are simply "elsewhere emission vehicles" because they transfer emissions from the tailpipe to the smokestack. Although there are emissions associated with coal- and oil-fired power plants, smokestack emissions associated with charging EVs are extremely low (3). In fact, EVs can charge from zero emission sources such as nuclear, hydroelectric, solar, and wind power.

The purpose of this paper is to prove that EVs recharging from today's power plants are substantially cleaner than even the most efficient ICE vehicles..."

In France, a switch to electric automobiles would result in the following change (%) in emissions: HC -99, CO -99, NOx -91, SO2 -58, particulates -59.

In the US the conversion would result in HC -96 CO -99 NOx-67 SO2 +203 particulates +122.

We burn a lot of coal here.