The global shift toward electric vehicles (EVs) has been heralded as a significant step in combating climate change. However, a recent study from the University of Turku in Finland has raised new questions about the environmental benefits of EVs. The study, which surveyed nearly 4,000 Finns about car ownership, transportation habits, and lifestyle choices, concluded that the average carbon footprint of EV owners is higher than that of owners of internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs).
Higher carbon emissions from EV owners
The study revealed a striking statistic: EV owners produce an average of 8.66 tons of CO2 annually, compared to just 8.05 tons from ICEV owners. This unexpected finding suggests that, despite their reputation as environmentally friendly, electric vehicles may not always be the green choice. The research also highlighted that the carbon footprints of EV owners can vary significantly based on their lifestyles and priorities.
The impact of wealth and lifestyle on emissions
The study identified two distinct groups of EV owners: those who prioritize economic efficiency and reliability, and those who focus on high-performance vehicles. Eco-conscious drivers in the first group generate only 7.59 tons of CO2 per year, whereas performance-focused EV owners, often with higher incomes, produce a staggering 10.25 tons annually. This figure is nearly double that of non-EV owners, who contribute around 5.75 tons of CO2 per year.
These findings suggest that wealthier EV owners, with their more luxurious lifestyles, are indirectly increasing their carbon footprints. Larger homes, frequent travel, and more consumption all contribute to higher emissions, overshadowing the benefits of driving an electric car. Nearly 25% of EV-owning households in the study reported a monthly income greater than $8,200—far above the average in the UK, which is around $3,770.
Longer distances and more vehicles
Another factor contributing to the higher carbon footprint of EV owners is their tendency to drive more miles. On average, EV users in the study drive 30,000 km (18,640 miles) per year—more than double the 14,200 km (8,800 miles) driven by non-EV owners. Additionally, EV owners often have multiple vehicles, further increasing their overall emissions.
Wealth and its role in global emissions
This Finnish study is not the first to highlight the disproportionate environmental impact of the wealthy. A 2020 report from Oxfam revealed that the wealthiest 10% of the global population is responsible for more than half of the world’s carbon emissions. The study, conducted in partnership with the Stockholm Environment Institute, found that between 1990 and 2015, the richest 1% of people were responsible for 15% of global emissions—more than the entire population of the European Union.
This “carbon inequality” is a critical factor in understanding the climate crisis. As Tim Gore, Head of Climate Policy at Oxfam, pointed out, the excessive consumption of the rich drives the climate crisis, while poorer communities bear the brunt of its consequences. The report calls for urgent action to curb emissions from the wealthy, such as imposing taxes on luxury goods like SUVs and frequent flights.
Reassessing the EV paradigm
While electric vehicles may still play a role in reducing emissions in the long term, this study urges a broader perspective on how lifestyle choices, wealth, and consumption patterns contribute to overall carbon footprints. Governments and individuals alike must consider these factors when evaluating their environmental impact and making choices about how to address the growing climate crisis.
The findings suggest that, beyond promoting EV adoption, policymakers must focus on reducing the carbon emissions of the wealthiest segments of society. This includes encouraging low-carbon alternatives, such as public transport and renewable energy, while addressing the broader issue of unequal consumption patterns.
