Are electric vehicles really cleaner than gas-powered cars?
In this episode of the True North EV Podcast, host James tackles one of the most debated questions in the EV world: the environmental impact of fossil fuel production versus battery manufacturing. We break down the facts for Canadian drivers—exploring short-term and long-term impacts, mining and manufacturing realities, and how Canada’s clean electricity grid changes the equation.
What you’ll learn:
- The continuous emissions from fossil fuel extraction, refining, and burning [Fossil Fue...ion part 1 | Word]
- The one-time environmental cost of battery production—and how quickly EVs “break even” on emissions
- Latest research showing EVs in Canada produce up to 75% fewer lifetime emissions than gas vehicles
- The challenges of lithium and cobalt mining, and how innovation is making batteries cleaner and more ethical
- Why the grid is getting greener every year, making EVs an even better choice over time
- Honest discussion of the real challenges—mining impacts, recycling, grid readiness, and subsidies
Whether you’re EV-curious or already driving electric, this episode gives you the facts, the context, and practical takeaways to make an informed decision. Tune in to discover why, despite their imperfections, EVs are a cleaner, smarter choice for Canada’s future.
Primary Sources Used:
- TD Economics (March 2025) – “Cradle to grave: Lifecycle emissions of electric versus gasoline vehicles in Canada”
- Canada Energy Regulator (2023) – “Canada’s Energy Future 2023”
- Natural Resources Canada (2024) – “Strategic Approach to Battery Innovation”
- Electric Mobility Canada (April 2025) – “Electrifying Progress: A Complete Economic Outlook of the Canadian EV Industry”
- Canadian Climate Institute (November 2025)
- CAA North & East Ontario (2025)
- Young Canadians for Resources (June 2025)
- Alberta Electric Vehicle Association, City of Edmonton, Municipal Climate Change Action Centre, AMA (Alberta Motor Association)
- CBC News (2023, 2025)
- Fraser Institute (2023–2025)
- Communications Earth & Environment (June 2025)
- PMC/National Institutes of Health
Key Statistics Referenced:
- Gas vehicle lifetime emissions: 89.5 tonnes CO₂
- Battery EV (no battery replacement): 21.6 tonnes CO₂
- Battery EV (one battery replacement): 28.4 tonnes CO₂
- Break-even point: Year 2 nationally; 6–18 months in some provinces
- Canada’s clean electricity: 82% non-emitting sources (2024)
- Alberta-specific: EVs reduce emissions by 41% currently; projected 74% as grid greens
- Health costs: Vehicle emissions cost $9.5B annually in Canada
- Economic projections: 1.34 million EV jobs and $171B GDP contribution by 2040
- Battery recycling: Up to 95% of materials recoverable
- EV adoption Canada: 17% of new vehicles in 2024 were EVs
- Global emissions: EVs consistently show 32–47% lower footprint than hybrids
Check out how green your grid is or if you are in Alberta howgreen it is at this very moment at thegrid.albertaev.ca. This is a great tool that Electric Vehicle Association of Alberta has put together. It will definitely help also when comparing evs to gas vehicles.Check Easy EV Install out if you are in Manitoba and looking at getting an EV. You can find and contact Marc on Linkedin and Facebook at Easy EV Install and on Instagram and Twitter at @EasyEVInstall. you can also call or text him at 431-999-EASY(3279) or email at connect@easyevinstall.ca.Here is the link to kilowatt podcast:
https://pca.st/podcast/09216500-6e77-0134-787d-4ffec63d9550
Check out Manitoba Electric Vehicle Association at Manitobaev.ca
Facebook link is: @truenorthev
Email: truenorthevpodcast@gmail.com
