Electric Cars vs Petrol Cars: The Hidden Environmental Cost You’re Not Being Told

Are electric vehicles really as eco-friendly as we think?

In this eye-opening article by Carmart Perth, we unpack the environmental cost of producing lithium-ion batteries used in electric cars—and compare it to the impact of building and running petrol and diesel vehicles. From the devastating water use of lithium mining to the lifetime emissions of traditional engines, we break it all down with honesty and facts.

Whether you’re considering an EV or just want to understand the full story, this is a must-read for anyone interested in sustainability, smart car buying, or what it really means to go green.

We believe in real solutions, not marketing hype—and this blog reflects our commitment to transparency, quality, and smarter choices.

Read it now and discover why sometimes, a good used car might just be the most environmentally responsible option.

At Carmart Perth, we believe in giving our customers more than just great deals—we provide transparency, real information, and the tools to make informed decisions.

Electric cars (EVs) have become the symbol of a cleaner future, but what if the full picture isn’t as green as it seems? Let’s dig deeper into the environmental impact of electric cars—specifically the lithium batteries that power them—and compare that with traditional petrol and diesel vehicles.

The Dark Side of Lithium: What It Takes to Build an EV Battery

Electric vehicles run on lithium-ion batteries, which require mining for materials like:

LithiumCobaltNickelRare earth metals

The cost?

Half a million gallons of water are needed to extract just one tonne of lithium.Lithium mining contributes to soil degradation, toxic leaks, and water shortages in countries like Chile and Bolivia.Cobalt—often mined under dangerous and unethical conditions in the Democratic Republic of Congo—is another major concern.Processing and transporting these materials leads to high CO2 emissions even before the EV hits the road.

These facts rarely make the headlines, but they matter. It means that the environmental impact of EV production is front-loaded—you pay the planet first, in a big way.

Petrol and Diesel: Not Clean, But Simpler

Let’s be real—petrol and diesel cars aren’t saints either. Their production involves:

Steel, rubber, glass, and plastic manufacturingGreenhouse gas emissions during assemblyLong-term fuel consumption emissions

But here’s the difference: internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles don’t need massive lithium batteries. Their mining footprint is lower, and they don’t depend on rare materials in the same way EVs do.

What they do have is an ongoing pollution cost:

Every time you drive, you’re burning fossil fuels—adding to CO2, nitrogen oxides (NOx), and other harmful gases in the atmosphere.

EV vs Petrol: The Full Lifecycle Breakdown

To understand the real impact, you need to look at the entire lifecycle of both vehicle types—from manufacturing to end-of-life.

Factor

Petrol/Diesel Cars

Electric Vehicles (EVs)

Manufacturing Emissions

Moderate

High (battery production)

Mining Impact

Lower

High (lithium, cobalt, etc.)

Energy Source

Fossil Fuels

Electricity (varies by region)

Lifetime Emissions

High

Low (if powered by green energy)

Battery Disposal/Recycling

Not applicable

Underdeveloped, complex

EVs win when powered by renewable energy and driven for a long time. But in coal-heavy areas or where battery recycling is weak, the green edge shrinks significantly.

So, What’s the Best Choice?

It depends on how and where you drive. But here’s one truth we stand by at Carmart Perth:

The greenest car is often the one that’s already built.

By buying a quality used car, you avoid:

New manufacturing emissionsMining-related environmental damageThe growing global e-waste problem

Used cars, especially those mechanically checked and backed by warranty like ours, extend a vehicle’s life and reduce its environmental footprint.

Why We Care at Carmart Perth

We’re more than a dealership—we’re a family business with over 50 years of experience, committed to building honest relationships with our customers. Whether you’re looking at EVs or petrol cars, we’ll give you the full story, not just a sales pitch.

Our vehicles:

Come fully mechanically checkedQualify for up to 5 years of warrantyInclude options for people with bad or no creditAre priced with fairness—mates rates for everyone

Final Thoughts: Sustainability Starts with Smart Choices

The environmental debate isn’t black and white. It’s not just “electric good, petrol bad.” The reality is complex—and at Carmart Perth, we believe in helping you make smart, sustainable choices that fit your life.

If you’re weighing up the cost to the planet as well as your wallet, come see us. A reliable, well-priced used car might be the most eco-conscious choice you can make today.

Visit Carmart Perth

1078 Beaufort St, Bedford WA

www.carmartperth.com.au

Phone: (08) 9272 6814

Facebook & Instagram: @carmartperth