Electric vehicles (EVs) face a significant challenge: their batteries are never large enough. This issue hinders efforts to reduce pollution and decarbonize the planet, as larger batteries make EVs heavier and more dangerous, writes Felix Salmon.

Hybrid Vehicles Offer More Efficient Solution

Hybrid vehicles, which primarily use electric power but can switch to an internal combustion engine when needed, present a more efficient use of battery resources.

Toyota’s 1:6:90 Rule

Toyota’s 1:6:90 rule demonstrates that the raw materials used for a long-range EV could produce six plug-in electric hybrid vehicles or 90 hybrid vehicles.

The carbon reduction from those 90 hybrids is 37 times greater than a single-battery EV.

Pollution and Lethality Concerns

Despite lacking tailpipe emissions, heavy EVs still contribute to pollution through eroding tires, road dust, and brakes. Additionally, their weight increases the risk of fatality in collisions with pedestrians or cyclists.

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Policy Shift Needed for Maximum Impact

Auto journalist Edward Niedermeyer suggests that government policy should focus on maximizing the limited battery supply for both consumers and the environment.

This approach would involve promoting more hybrids and e-bikes while reducing the number of EVs with 500-mile ranges.

Read more at Axios.com