According to a recent study from the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, the new GMC Hummer EV might still be responsible for more greenhouse gas emissions than gas-powered sedans.
An enormous vehicle like the Hummer EV requires a large amount of energy from the grid to drive, equivalent to 341 grams of co2 every mile. Less than half of what the original Hummer produced, but still more than the gas-powered Chevy Malibu. A representative for GMC called the study “glass-half-empty criticisms” and that it “ignores important real-world benefits.”
The new Hummer doesn’t emit any tailpipe emissions, like other EVs, but it does produce greenhouse gas emissions. The electric grid provides power to battery-powered vehicles like the GMC supertruck, and according to ACEEE, 60% of the electricity in the U.S. is generated by burning fossil fuels. Because of this, until the grid is entirely carbon-free, EVs will still be accountable for “upstream emissions.”
Despite this, conventionally sized electric cars still produce significantly fewer pollutants than their gas-powered counterparts. However, a more compact design and a smaller battery would likely reduce the Hummer EV’s emissions.
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