Study investigates EV link to emissions

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BERKELEY, Calif., April 17 (UPI) -- A study by the Union of Concerned Scientists finds that electric-powered vehicles outperform the most efficient fuel-based U.S. vehicles in terms of emissions.

A study by the non-profit group found that drivers can save as much as $1,200 per year when compared to a gasoline-powered vehicle, assuming a base rate of $3.50 for a gallon of gasoline.

In terms of emissions, the group found that most of the U.S. population lives in an area where the electricity used to power EVs produces fewer greenhouse gases than a conventional vehicle that gets 50 miles per gallon of gasoline.

"As consumers get more electric vehicle choices over the coming years, it will be increasingly important to change how we generate our electricity," report's author Don Anair said in a statement. "These vehicles can play a central role in a clean transportation future, and as we move to a cleaner electric grid, we will see that future move closer to reality."

The report, "State of Change: Electric Vehicles' Global Warming Emissions and Fuel Cost Savings Across the United States," is the first of its kind to examine the emissions generated from charging an electric vehicle, the group said.