An open letter from a professor in Karlsruhe is currently causing an uproar in research circles. The letter aims to uncover incorrect calculations in the carbon footprint of e-cars, but it is accused of lobbying.
A debate has broken out among scientists about the carbon footprint of electric cars. In an open letter, Professor Thomas Koch from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) and colleagues from the EU Commission accused a fundamental calculation error. Professor Christian Rehtanz from the TU Dortmund criticized this on Tuesday: “The letter is extremely embarrassing. It is a scientifically disguised lobbyist letter that tries desperately to save the piston machines (chair denomination of Prof. Koch of the KIT).”
There are “arguments for both positions”
Professor Martin Wietschel from the Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research wrote in an article for the Science Media Center that Koch asked whether the total CO2 emissions of the electricity mix should be used for the electricity consumed by e-cars, or the CO2 emissions Output of the limit current mix, i.e. additionally required electricity. There are “arguments for both positions”. However, the scientific standard is the use of average emissions. Because limit current emissions could not be clearly assigned. In addition, e-cars could serve as flexible storage for excess wind and solar energy in the future.
E-cars are supposed to accelerate the energy transition
Koch and other scientists had criticized that the CO2 emissions from electrical consumers would be calculated far too low using a simplified mean value approach. Patrick Jochem from the German Aerospace Center wrote: “The article takes up a valid point”, but falls short at one point. Because e-cars could accelerate the energy transition in electricity generation and lead to negative marginal emissions, “especially if e-cars are integrated into the energy system as mobile storage devices”.
The Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) demanded that people should be able to charge their e-cars with green electricity. “The scientists’ appeal to the EU Commission makes it clear once again how urgent the rapid expansion of renewable energies is.”
I am Pierce Boyd, a driven and ambitious professional working in the news industry. I have been writing for 24 Hours Worlds for over five years, specializing in sports section coverage. During my tenure at the publication, I have built an impressive portfolio of articles that has earned me a reputation as an experienced journalist and content creator.
