A February 2023 New York Times article argues that emissions savings from electric vehicles changes as the size of the vehicle increases. Quote, "As E.V.s get larger and heftier, their climate impact also tends to increase."
While there is some easy to see environmental benefits of the electric vehicle, swapping a gas-powered F-150 to the Lightning, you can find up to 50% less greenhouse gas emissions per mile. And judging how many trucks are sitting in a parking lot of a construction site, the benefits have the potential to add up.
Worth noting here that (also in February 2023), Ford reported that they halted production and shipments of the F-150 Lightning truck due to "potential battery issues," but exact cause was not officially noted. The company also announced plans for a new $3.5 billion lithium iron phosphate battery plant in Michigan.
“We are committed to leading the electric vehicle revolution in America, and that means investing in the technology and jobs that will keep us on the cutting edge of this global transformation in our industry,” says Bill Ford, Ford executive chair. “I am also proud that we chose our home state of Michigan for this critical battery production hub.”
The New York Times article includes a chart comparing the emissions per mile by size of vehicle. According to the chart, the larger electric vehicles have a similar emissions impact to a small gas car. S.U.V.s, pickup trucks and vans are estimated to make 78% of vehicle sales by 2025.
