Electric cars could lead an increase in carbon emissions, a green lobby group has claimed.
The Environmental Transport Association has called for the new generation of vehicles to carry meters to calculate how much electricity they are using.
A total of £250 million has been allocated by the Government to promote electric cars, much of which will be used to reduce the cost to the consumer by up to £5,000.
But the ETA – which describes itself as a "Green AA" – has voiced doubts about who much good they will do in a report published today.
Whilst 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.” said Andrew Davis, the Association's director.
Electric cars will normally be plugged into the mains overnight to recharge the battery, although some models will also use a petrol engine to top up power during the day.
According to the report, the source of the electricity must also be taken into account when calculating the environmental benefit.
If there is a surge in popularity for the cars, demand for electricity from the national grid will increase.
"Even if the grid has the capacity and the basic infrastructure to meet the needs of electric cars, the new demand patterns they will create may mean greater use of coal and nuclear power," the report argues.
Coal-fired power stations are now regarded as one of the biggest sources of carbon emissions.
Even if a car uses electricity rather than petrol, it must be fuel efficient for genuine environmental benefit, the report continues.
"Electric cars should be rewarded for their energy efficiency, not for moving emissions from exhaust pipes to power station chimneys"
A spokesman for the Department for Transport defended the Government's policy. "Electric and other ultra-low emission cars offer the potential to dramatically reduce the carbon emissions from road transport over the long term. But they are not the only way to reduce car CO2 emissions," he said.
"Electric cars powered from today’s UK generating grid would save up to 40% of the CO2 emissions of a conventional petrol car over its full life cycle. This saving can improve as the grid moves to using more low carbon power sources.
"If demand for electricity is properly managed, through the use of smart meters and dynamic tariffs, the grid can support a relatively high number of Electric Vehicles In fact, they can provide a way to capture and store electricity at night from renewable sources like wind power."
source: telegraph
