[bikes]

Here is an example of an article where the term “zero emission” is used interchangeably with “electric” when referring to electric cars.

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/article/2024/sep/03/uk-electric-car-drivers-per-mile-vehicle-taxes-campaign-for-better-transport

It seems that many people are unaware of tyre particulate emissions, and articles like this one are not helping.

I also see that vehicles are sold with “zero emissions” labels. I think manufacturers should be banned from doing this.

Topic

[bikes]

This article regarding the
This article regarding the ASA’s (advertising standards agency) ban of the phrase “zero emissions” from car manufacturers’ adverts includes this sentence:

“EVs are only emission free while being driven.”

ASA bans adverts containing misleading environmental claims

[ROOTminus1]

“Zero emissions” also ignores
“Zero emissions” also ignores the VOCs off-gassed from plastics and synthetic resins as new ones cure and/or older samples degrade under UV light.
That oft-lauded “new car smell” is the result of …you-guessed-it… Emissions!

[chrisonabike]

Indeed, but it’s really “emit
Indeed, but it’s really “emit elsewhere”.

Of course, electric gives potential for “emit less”. OTOH that’s conveniently “out of sight out of mind”. Plus the energy required for the materials to make our vehicles (never mind to make the materials to support “green electricity”) is not particularly clean. Anyway that’s a whole other rabbit hole (and that bunker-fuel-powered steam ship long sailed).

https://solar.lowtechmagazine.com/2024/03/how-to-escape-from-the-iron-age/

Non-ICE vehicles are better *locally* but they’re still large motor vehicles (and currently a bit heavier ones). So all the other issues remain (particulates, noise pollution, massive use of space, danger to people and indeed buildings…)

[Author]

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