UK scientists warn electric vehicles may not reduce carbon emissions as grid remains reliant on fossil fuels across Britain

A new study out of Queen Mary University has stirred debate by claiming that electric vehicles (EVs) may not actually reduce carbon emissions in the UK — at least, not yet.

According to the research, the country’s current electricity grid still relies heavily on fossil fuels, meaning that charging an EV can indirectly increase CO2 emissions rather than reduce them.

The findings have sparked strong reactions from other experts who insist that EVs remain cleaner than traditional petrol or diesel cars.

Why EVs Might Not Be as Green as They Seem

The study, accepted for publication in Environmental Research, compares the UK’s 2030 Net Zero plan with real-world energy data from 2023.

Researchers found that wind and solar power output is far more variable than government projections suggest.

On cloudy or calm days, electricity generation dips, forcing the grid to rely on gas-fired power stations.

Since EVs add extra electricity demand during these periods, charging them could result in more fossil fuel being burned, not less.

Co-author Professor Alan Drew explained:

“EVs and heat pumps will be valuable later – but for now, we must stop pretending they are reducing emissions when the data shows they aren’t.”

The paper suggests that for now, the most eco-friendly option for drivers may actually be hybrids or very efficient diesel cars.

Government Plans and the Renewable Energy Challenge

In 2024, the UK government announced plans to bring forward electricity decarbonisation from 2035 to 2030.

This includes ambitious targets:

• 43–50 GW of offshore wind power

• 27–29 GW of onshore wind power

• 45–47 GW of solar power

Despite these targets, researchers argue that the current system cannot support widespread EV adoption without temporarily increasing reliance on fossil fuels.

Professor David Dunstan, co-author and physicist, added:

“Adding electricity demand – by adding EVs – does not increase the amount of low-carbon and renewable generation.

It can only be met by increasing the fossil gas burn.”

Essentially, EVs shift the point of CO2 emissions from tailpipes to power plants, but without a fully decarbonised grid, no real reductions occur.

The Counterpoint: EVs Still Cut Carbon

Not everyone agrees. Scientists like Dr Iaian Staffell from Imperial College London argue that the Queen Mary study misrepresents the situation.

Even when powered by gas-fired electricity, EVs are more efficient than internal combustion engines and produce lower carbon emissions overall.

Dr Staffell explains:

“Even though fossil fuels are still going in, gas emits 20 per cent less carbon than oil, and the combination of a power station plus the battery and motor is 1.5 to 2.3 times more efficient than a car’s engine.”

He also points out that the study overlooks technological solutions already in place, such as smart chargers and energy interconnectors that help balance renewable energy supply.

Hidden Environmental Costs of EVs

Beyond the grid debate, EVs have other environmental impacts.

Mining and battery production can carry significant carbon and ecological costs:

• Lithium mining: Produces 15 tonnes of CO2 per tonne mined and consumes 100 tonnes of water

• Cobalt mining: Tens of thousands of children work in dangerous conditions in the Democratic Republic of Congo

• Battery production: Producing one EV battery can generate up to 15.6 tonnes of CO2

• Brake emissions: Heavy EVs produce around 2,000 times more particulate pollution while braking than a conventional car engine

These factors highlight that even “clean” technologies can carry environmental trade-offs.

What’s Next?

The debate over EVs and carbon savings is far from settled.

For the UK, the next step is clear: decarbonising the electricity grid is critical before electric vehicles can reach their full potential as low-carbon alternatives.

In the meantime, hybrids, efficient diesel cars, and technological innovations like smart charging may offer a more realistic route to reducing emissions.

Policy-makers, energy companies, and consumers will have to weigh short-term compromises against long-term sustainability goals.

Summary

A new study from Queen Mary University warns that electric vehicles in the UK currently offer “no proven carbon savings” because the electricity grid still relies heavily on fossil fuels.

Researchers argue that hybrids or efficient diesel cars may be greener until renewable energy capacity expands.

The study, however, faces strong pushback from experts like Dr Iaian Staffell, who say EVs are still more efficient and lower-carbon than petrol or diesel cars.

Additional environmental concerns include lithium and cobalt mining, battery production, and brake emissions.

The findings underscore the urgent need for grid decarbonisation and smart policies to ensure EVs deliver real environmental benefits.