Why the Size of Your Electric Vehicle Matters for the Planet

Electric cars are steadily gaining momentum worldwide, driven by governments’ efforts to decarbonise economies and policies that support clean driving. Falling battery costs are also making electric vehicles (EVs) increasingly affordable.

Climate advocates promote EVs as the environmentally friendly alternative to fossil-fuelled cars. Yet as more people shift to electric mobility, one crucial question arises: does size matter when it comes to maximising their environmental benefits?

According to the World Resources Institute (WRI), almost one in five cars sold in 2023 was an EV. However, the article highlights a concerning trend: consumers are favouring larger models, such as SUVs, which may undermine the very environmental gains EVs are meant to deliver. By 2028, only about a quarter of new EV models are expected to be small or medium-sized. Subsidies reinforce this trend — for example, in the United States, buyers can receive up to $7,500 in tax credits, even for larger EVs.

Bigger vs smaller EVs

Larger EVs require bigger batteries, which in turn increases demand for scarce minerals such as lithium and cobalt. Producing these batteries generates higher lifecycle emissions — the total greenhouse gases released during the car’s entire lifespan. Bigger EVs also consume up to 20% more energy than smaller models, placing greater strain on electricity grids and infrastructure.

They also pose safety concerns: heavier vehicles can increase the likelihood of fatal pedestrian accidents, with some studies suggesting a 45% increase.

By contrast, smaller EVs avoid many of these drawbacks. They consume less energy, require fewer minerals, and are easier to park and manoeuvre in urban environments.

How cities are responding

Recognising the downsides of large EVs, some cities are introducing policies to counter the trend. France has implemented a weight-based tax on both plug-in hybrids and internal combustion engine (ICE) cars, while Paris has tripled parking fees for SUVs. In Norway, EV purchase taxes are based partly on vehicle weight and emissions.

However, experts emphasise that simply switching to EVs will not solve broader issues such as traffic congestion, urban space constraints, and resource demand. Meaningful change must also involve reducing car dependency, improving public transport, and encouraging active travel modes such as walking and cycling.

The bigger picture

An article from NPR highlights that EV production initially carries a larger carbon footprint than manufacturing fossil-fuel cars, mainly due to the mining and processing of critical minerals. Yet over a vehicle’s full lifecycle, electric vehicles remain far cleaner because ICE cars continuously burn petrol or diesel, producing ongoing emissions as well as health impacts from air pollution and oil spills.

Building a battery is a one-time environmental cost, whereas burning fuel is a constant one. Still, the size of the EV matters: smaller EVs mean smaller batteries, less mining, and lower environmental impacts. And in some cases, the best option may not be to buy a car at all.

Looking ahead, improvements in battery technology, stricter mining regulations, and the recycling of key minerals could help reduce the environmental footprint of EV production.