What is the carbon footprint of electric cars?

All vehicles emit greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions at one or more life stages during manufacturing, operation, and end-of-life and the amounts differ significantly between gas-powered cars and electric cars. During the manufacturing phase electric vehicles usually emit more GHG emissions than gas vehicles however this reverses shortly after the cars hit the road. At about 6 months, gas vehicle GHG emissions surpass electric vehicle GHG emissions, and from then on electric vehicle GHG emissions are significantly lower. 

Electric vehicles do not have tailpipes and do not directly produce GHGs. However the source of electricity powering the vehicle matters. Washington State, with a predominantly renewable and clean electricity grid, is one of the best states in the country to reduce GHG emissions by transitioning to electric transportation.


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1. What is carbon intensity?
2. Will a Clean Fuel Standard really make a difference for climate change? Aren't there other ways to fight climate change?
3. Shouldn't Washington State do this?
4. Are there enough clean fuels available for a Clean Fuel Standard to work?
5. Will gasoline and diesel prices increase with a Clean Fuel Standard?
6. Have fossil fuel costs increased in states that already have a Clean Fuel Standard?
7. The state already collects a tax on fossil fuel. Why should there be more?
8. Will a Clean Fuel Standard improve air quality?
9. Do alternative fuels work in our vehicles as well as regular fossil fuels?
10. What is the carbon footprint of electric cars?
11. Is it more expensive to drive an electric vehicle?
12. Is it difficult to charge an electric vehicle?
13. How would this impact neighboring counties?
14. Are airplanes, trains, and ships included in the Clean Fuel Standard?