Electric Trucks Can Reduce GHG Levels Better Than Other EVs: Study

When it comes to reducing passenger vehicle greenhouse gases, electrification seems like a good answer. According to a recent University of Michigan Study, if we are serious about greenhouse gas emissions then we need to focus on specific vehicle segments. It’s no secret that the race to build the perfect electric pickup is underway, and according to UOM data, it could help save the planet.

Americans love pickup trucks. This handy family carrier can do just about anything but sip fuel. Sure, there’s now a very impressive selection of hybrids from Ford and Toyota, but these big engines are responsible for a lot of emissions when compared to smaller vehicles. That is why turning the pickup truck market into a more EV-focused segment will have the greatest effect on greenhouse gas emissions for passenger vehicles.

The University of Michigan study concluded, “Sedans, SUVs, and pickup trucks, battery-electric vehicles have cradle-to-grave life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions approximately 64% lower than the average internal combustion engined vehicle across the United States.” This means that regardless of vehicle segment, converting to an EV will have a lasting impact on emissions over time.

The study found that, “Replacing an internal combustion engine sedan with a battery electric sedan saves 45 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent; replacing an internal combustion engine SUV with a battery-electric SUV saves 56 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent, and replacing an internal combustion engine pickup with a battery-electric pickup saves 74 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent over the life of the vehicle, said study first author Max Woody, a research specialist. at the UM Center for Sustainability Systems.

This means that replacing a single internal combustion pickup truck with an EV version will have the greatest effect on carbon emissions by a very large margin when compared to other vehicles. When we consider America’s preference for trucks and the growing product offerings of EV pickups from traditional manufacturers and emerging players, we expect major reductions in emissions from this fast-growing market.