Check the fuel source before making any assumptions.

Rob Smith surveys the world's countries for information on the sources of energy powering the electricity grid to determine where electric cars are actually as green as they aspire to be.
"However, electric vehicles are not emissions-free. While these vehicles obviously run on electricity, that electricity typically comes from a mix of emissions-intensive fossil fuels, nuclear energy, and power from renewables," explains Smith. On one side of the spectrum in emissions free electricity production is Norway, "which generates virtually all of its electricity from hydropower." On the other side of the spectrum is China, where the electric vehicle market accounts for 40 percent of global sales. But since China relies so much on coal power, those are also the world's most emissions-intensive electric cars. Smith presents a pair of infographics to reveal the emissions attached the electric vehicle fleets in countries around the world.
Smith raises the question as sales of electric cars are booming around the world. According to the 2017 Global Electric Vehicle report by the International Energy Agency (IEA), car companies manufactured two million electric cars and sold more than 750,000 electric cars around the world in 2016. "The report predicts electric car stocks will range from between nine million and 20 million by 2020 and between 40 million and 70 million by 2025," writes Smith.
FULL STORY: The surprising truth behind the world's electric cars

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.

San Antonio and Austin are Fusing Into one Massive Megaregion
The region spanning the two central Texas cities is growing fast, posing challenges for local infrastructure and water supplies.

Since Zion's Shuttles Went Electric “The Smog is Gone”
Visitors to Zion National Park can enjoy the canyon via the nation’s first fully electric park shuttle system.

Trump Distributing DOT Safety Funds at 1/10 Rate of Biden
Funds for Safe Streets and other transportation safety and equity programs are being held up by administrative reviews and conflicts with the Trump administration’s priorities.

German Cities Subsidize Taxis for Women Amid Wave of Violence
Free or low-cost taxi rides can help women navigate cities more safely, but critics say the programs don't address the root causes of violence against women.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie