In a country where 80% of electricity is generated by burning coal, a consumer replaces their petrol car with an electric vehicle (EV). What is the immediate climate reality of this choice?

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A The consumer’s carbon footprint drops to zero instantly.
B The consumer’s carbon footprint remains identical to the petrol car.
C The consumer’s footprint may shift from oil combustion to increased coal emissions at the power plant.
D The consumer eliminates all greenhouse gas emissions from their lifestyle

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Answer: C. The consumer’s footprint may shift from oil combustion to increased coal emissions at the power plant.

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: EVs are only as clean as the power grid used to charge them; charging an EV with coal-powered electricity simply shifts emissions from the tailpipe to the power plant.

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In a country where 80% of electricity is generated by burning coal, a consumer replaces their petrol car with an electric vehicle (EV). What is the immediate climate reality of this choice?

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