The Hummer EV might not guzzle fuel, it is still not that clean either.
A recent study conducted by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEE) found that the new GMC Hummer EV might not be that good of an alternative to gas-powered vehicles, as it still causes the creation of more toxic emissions than a regular compact gas sedan.
Indeed, while it’s often believed that electric vehicles do not emit any pollutants at all, that’s not exactly right. EVs produce “zero tailpipe emissions” unlike vehicles that operate on fuels, that’s correct. However, since the electricity used to power those EVs need to come from somewhere, and since the grid is far from being carbon-free at the moment, this process still creates greenhouse gasses — to a much lesser extent, sure — but those are still harmful to the environment. As a result, while smaller EVs are generally considered a better alternative to ICE vehicles, it doesn’t seem to be the case for the new Hummer EV.
The Hummer EV, a 9000-pound full-size electric truck, was set to be GMC’s first truly environmentally-friendly model. Unfortunately, the manufacturer’s efforts might have been in vain, as the Hummer is responsible for the creation of 341 grams of CO2 per mile. Obviously, that is much lower than the regular fuel-driven Hummer H1 (889 grams of CO2 per mile), but it is still high compared to smaller vehicles like the Chevy Malibu, a compact sedan emitting only 320 grams of CO2 per mile.
While the Hummer EV is definitely a power-packed monster providing incredible power and performance, it’s not really that environment-friendly. Yes, the 1000-hp EV can hit 0 to 60 mph in 3.0 seconds despite weighing 4.5 tons, but at what cost?
The Hummer EV’s problem seems to be its very design. Of course, the manufacturer had no other option but to replicate the shape of the classic model, which was simply not designed to be fuel-efficient. Unfortunately, the boxy shape and lack of aerodynamics make it incredibly difficult for the truck to overcome its own mass, significantly increasing power consumption.
This example shines a light on a more pressing issue: the potential inefficiency of EVs, basically nullifying their very purposes. At this point, it is becoming quite evident that the EV industry will need to take initiatives to build lighter and more aerodynamic electric vehicles while keeping in mind that running on electric power is not all — upstream emissions will also need to be taken into account to have a real impact on climate changes.
“You can prove anything you want by coldly logical reason—if you pick the proper postulates.” ― Isaac Asimov,
So true, granted the Hummer EV emits 61% less CO2 per mile than a gas Hummer, it’s not so good compared to a gas Malibu as it emits 7% more CO2 per mile. If the intent of the “Study” were to prove the electric vehicle is no better or worse than select gasoline vehicles and that “since the grid is far from being carbon-free at the moment,” it is even more pollutive.
What ACEE forgets if the emission required to produce gasoline also has negative impact. It’s not just the tailpipe.
This is another example of an apples and oranges study.
Hi!
I would agree with you. However, if you read the complete study, you’ll see that those have also been taken into account by the ACEE… ✌
The Hummer battery weighs almost 3000lbs. A Tesla model 3 battery weighs 1000lbs and requires mining and extracting 500,000lbs of raw material to make, and you believe that’s GREEN? lmfao
This article feels like a hit job!!
What is that compared to? An old Coal fired plant???
What about a gas fired plant which is the majority, by percentage or nuclear, hydroelectric and renewable sources.
I realize that the source of power varies by where in the country a person and the vehicle are, but how about using the US averages
of 31% natural gas, 28% petroleum, 17.8% coal, 12.7% renewable sources and 9.6% nuclear??
This also doesn’t consider that owners may have residential rooftop solar much less take the rate of growth for renewable sources.
Hi!
I agree with you — but it’s important not to shoot the messenger here, lol.
This article is not an editorial piece; it’s a News report and, as such, does not necessarily reflect the author’s personal opinion. It’s merely reporting the News, as it was presented by ACEE, who conducted the survey. Moreover, like any other survey, it’s essential to keep in mind that it was only conducted on a small portion of people and obviously can’t account for every single location in the US — it’s a survey, not a census. It should be considered as what it is: a way to gain information and insights to provide a general overview of a much larger issue.
So yes, you are right; it’s probably not representative of every specific location, demographic, and exact situation of every state in the US. Nonetheless, it still outlines several issues that would need to be addressed going forward — which I consider much better than simply not running any kind of survey and just blindly marching towards a future we still know so little about, no?
P.S: Considering that the Hummer EV is not sold anywhere else but the US at the moment, we can safely assume that ACEE’s report was indeed based on US data. ✌
What if it is charged by solar panels only?
In this case, yes, I assume it would make a world of difference.
But considering that only 3% of the energy produced on US soil currently comes from solar panels, it’s still a long way to go.