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What is the environmental score for electric cars?
The environmental score for electric vehicles is a mark awarded to every new electric vehicle in France since January 1, 2024. It is an indicator of the vehicle's environmental impact throughout its life cycle, from the extraction of raw materials to its recycling.
The score is calculated byADEME (French Agency for Ecological Transition) and takes into account several criteria, including :
- The vehicle'scarbon footprint the quantity of greenhouse gases emitted during manufacture, use and recycling.
- The use of recycled and bio-sourced materials in vehicle manufacturing.
- Battery efficiencyi.e. its ability to store and release energy.
The environmental score ranges from 0 to 100 points. The higher the score, the lower the vehicle's environmental impact.
The method for assessing the eligibility of new electric passenger cars for the aforementioned environmental score subsidies is defined in articles D. 251-1-A and R.251-1-B of the French Energy Code and in the Order of October 7, 2023.
Read more: Ecological bonus 2024: changes to come
How can the environmental score help consumers make informed choices about electric vehicles?
The environmental score can help consumers make informed choices about electric vehicles in several ways:
1. Comparing the environmental impact of different models
The environmental score enables consumers to easily compare the environmental impact of different electric vehicle models. This enables them to choose a model that matches their values and environmental objectives.
2. Identifying the most efficient vehicles
Electric vehicles with a high environmental score are generally more efficient than those with a low score. This means they consume less energy and cover more kilometers on a single charge. This can be an important factor for consumers looking for an economical electric vehicle.
3. Find out about the materials used
The environmental score takes into account the presence of recycled and bio-sourced materials in the vehicle's manufacture. This can be an important criterion for consumers concerned with the sustainable use of resources.
4. By obtaining information on the vehicle's end of life
The environmental score also takes into account the recyclability of the vehicle. This can be an important criterion for consumers wishing to reduce their environmental impact throughout the vehicle's life cycle.
In addition to these benefits, the environmental score can also help consumers to :
- Benefit from government subsidies: In France, electric vehicles with a high environmental score are eligible for state aidsuch as the ecological bonus and the conversion bonus.
- Supporting automakers committed to the ecological transition By choosing an electric vehicle with a high environmental score, consumers can help encourage automakers to produce more environmentally-friendly vehicles.
It's important to note that the environmental score is not the only factor to consider when buying an electric vehicle. Other factors, such as price,range, performance and functionality, must also be taken into consideration.
However, the environmental score is a valuable tool that can help consumers make informed, responsible choices when it comes to mobility.
Read more: Ecological transition: 60% of the 3,447 French companies concerned do not comply with the LOM law
Environmental score calculation method
What stages in the life cycle of an electric vehicle are taken into account when calculating the environmental score?
The environmental score for an electric vehicle in France, introduced on January 1, 2024, takes into account the following stages in the vehicle's life cycle:
1. Electric vehicle production
- Raw materials extraction and processing: This stage includes the extraction of natural resources such as lithium, cobalt, nickel and manganese for the battery, as well as the production of other materials such as aluminum, copper and steel for the body and components. Environmental impact is assessed by considering greenhouse gas emissions, water and energy consumption, and the production of waste associated with these activities.
- Component manufacturing: This stage covers the transformation of raw materials into key components of the electric vehicle, such as the battery, motor, electronics and chassis. The environmental impact is analyzed in terms of the manufacturing processes, energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions generated during the production of these components.
- Vehicle assembly: Final assembly of the electric vehicle involves bringing together all previously manufactured components. This stage is evaluated taking into account the energy consumed and greenhouse gas emissions associated with vehicle assembly.
2. Electric vehicle transport
- Transport of components: The transportation of the various components from the production sites to the assembly plants is taken into account. The environmental impact is assessed according to the mode of transport used (road, sea, rail), the distance covered and the greenhouse gas emissions generated during transport.
- Transport of the finished vehicle: Transport of the assembled electric vehicle from the production plant to the dealership is also considered. The environmental impact is analyzed using the same criteria as for component transport.
3. Use of the electric vehicle
- Electricity consumption: The most important stage in terms of greenhouse gas emissions is the use of the electric vehicle. The score takes into account the average electricity consumption of the vehicle over its lifetime, based on different driving cycles and taking into account the energy mix of the country where the vehicle will be used.
- Wear and tear and replacement of parts: The natural wear and tear of electric vehicle parts and their eventual replacement during the vehicle's lifetime are also taken into account. The environmental impact is assessed on the basis of the production and recycling of replaced parts.
4. End of life of the electric vehicle
- Vehicle dismantling: The dismantling of the electric vehicle at the end of its life cycle to separate the various components and materials is taken into account. The environmental impact is analyzed in terms of the energy consumed and potential pollution generated during dismantling.
- Material recycling: The proportion of the electric vehicle's materials that can be recycled is an important element of the score. The environmental impact of the recycling process, including energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, is also assessed.
- Waste treatment: The treatment of non-recyclable materials and remaining components of the electric vehicle is taken into account. The environmental impact of treatment methods, such as incineration or landfill, is analyzed.
What vehicle information is needed to calculate the environmental score?
To calculate the environmental score of an electric vehicle in 2024, automakers must provide ADEME with the following information:
Vehicle data :
- Vehicle make, model and version
- Vehicle weight
- Battery capacity (kWh)
- Vehicle energy consumption(WLTP standard)
- Country of manufacture
Vehicle manufacturing data :
- Quantity of each raw material used to manufacture the vehicle
- Country of origin of raw materials
- Manufacturing processes used for each vehicle component
- GHG emissions linked to the manufacture of each vehicle component
Battery data :
- Type of battery chemistry
- Quantity of each raw material used to manufacture the battery
- Country of origin of battery raw materials
- Battery manufacturing processes
- GHG emissions linked to battery manufacturing
- End-of-life battery recycling capacity
ADEME then uses this data to carry out a life cycle analysis (LCA) of the vehicle and calculate its environmental score.
It is important to note that this information is not publicly available. Only ADEME has access to the detailed data used to calculate the environmental score for electric vehicles.
| Type of vehicle | Low reference value (kg-eq CO2) | High reference value (kg-eq CO2) | Environmental score |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Vehicles with 5 or more seats |
12 000 |
21 000 |
0 (non éligible) si ECversion >= 21 000, 80 si ECversion <= 12 000, 80 x ((21 000 - ECversion) / (21 000 - 12 000)) si 12 000 <= ECversion < 21 000 |
|
Other vehicles |
6000 |
17 000 |
0 (non éligible) si ECversion >= 17 000, 80 si ECversion <= 6 000, 80 x ((17 000 - ECversion) / (17 000 - 6 000)) si 6 000 <= ECversion < 17 000 |
How can I obtain the environmental score of an electric vehicle?
There are two main ways to obtain an electric vehicle's environmental score:
- Use the ADEME platform:
- Visit the platform dedicated to the environmental of electric vehicles.
- Enter the vehicle's VIN code or license plate.
- The vehicle's environmental score will be displayed, along with its breakdown by criterion.
- Consult the vehicle registration certificate (carte grise) :
- Since July 1, 2023, the environmental score has been included on the registration documents of new electric vehicles.
- It is located in box Z11.
Conclusion
In short, the environmental score for electric vehicles, established by ADEME, offers consumers a concrete way of assessing the ecological impact of vehicles throughout their lifecycle. By taking into account factors such as carbon footprint, battery efficiency and recyclability, the score enables consumers to make informed choices, support the ecological transition and benefit from government subsidies.
Although it's just one aspect to consider when making a purchase, the environmental score plays an important role in encouraging responsible decisions that help preserve the environment and combat climate change.
If you're looking to buying an electric car or installation of charging stationsBeev is at your disposal!
