Dr George G. Debono (‘Getting realistic about electric cars’, TMID, 20 December) maintains that “Even when its batteries are charged from a high carbon emitting source of energy such as ours, a small electric car can be expected to emit the equivalent of about 130 grammes of CO2 per kilometre (for the electricity consumed). This compares favourably with the carbon dioxide emitted by small fossil-fuel-driven cars, most of which emit around 140g per kilometre.”

This statement is wrong on two counts. First, many manufacturers today have launched models emitting less than 99g/km CO2. Cursory research will identify a vast selection of fossil-fuelled cars that emit less than 140g/km CO2, including for example, a large family estate powered by a 2.0 litre diesel engine emitting 120g/km CO2. It is thus not fact that “... small fossil-fuel-driven cars, most of which emit around 140g per kilometre.”

Secondly, assuming that Mr Debono’s calculations are correct, that is an electric car would emit around 130g/km CO2, it is not factual either that emissions from electric cars compare favourably with those of small fossil-fuelled cars. The emissions of electric cars are as clean as the source and distribution of electricity which recharges their batteries. With the existing electricity generation and until electricity is generated from cleaner sources, emissions from electric cars would remain high and hover around the 130g/km CO2.

Jean-Pierre Aquilina

Sliema