Wealth and carbon footprint
The study found that EV owners tend to be wealthier, more educated, and travel longer distances than the average car owner. This profile is not unique to Finland; similar patterns emerge in India. Indian EV owners often belong to higher-income brackets — a group who have an appetite forAs per research, high-income consumers are more likely to consider EVs due to their ability to afford the initial costs and their interest in advanced features. Meanwhile, lower-income groups often exhibit concerns regarding battery technology and running costs, which hinder their adoption of EVs.
Despite their propensity for sustainability, wealthier individuals tend to have higher carbon footprints for various reasons. First, they consume more goods and services, which translates to increased production and transport emissions. They also often travel more frequently and over longer distances, whether by car or plane. Additionally, they use more electricity and energy-intensive products. In India, most electricity still comes from coal, meaning higher usage leads to more carbon emissions.
In India, the EV market is surging with government-backed incentives and a projected 49% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) through 2030. This boom is largely driven by wealthier consumers, who benefit most from
Don’t give up on EVs yet!
The study’s findings doesn’t mean that EVs are without merit. Transitioning to EVs can reduceTo encourage lower carbon footprints among all EV owners, it will be essential to couple the promotion of EVs with broader environmental awareness and lifestyle changes, such as energy conservation, reducing non-essential travel, and advocating for greener energy sources. Otherwise, the well-intentioned switch to EVs may be undermined by a lifestyle that remains carbon-intensive overall.
In conclusion, while EVs represent a step towards cleaner personal transportation, the Finnish study — and similar observations in India — suggest a need for holistic changes beyond vehicle choice. A transition toward sustainable lifestyles, combined with policy support for cleaner energy, is crucial for truly addressing the climate crisis.
The findings of this research have been published in PLOS Climate and can be accessed here.