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DETROIT — Making electric vehicles and their batteries is a dirty process that uses a lot of energy. But a new study says that EVs quickly make up for that with less overall emissions through two years of use than a gas-powered vehicle.

The study also estimated that gas-powered vehicles cause at least twice as much environmental damage over their lifetimes as EVs, and said the benefits of EVs can be expected to increase in coming decades as clean sources of power, such as solar and wind, are brought onto the grid.

The work by researchers from Northern Arizona University and Duke University, published Wednesday in the journal PLOS Climate, offers insight into a transportation sector that makes up a big part of U.S. emissions. It also comes as some EV skeptics have raised concerns about whether the environmental impact of battery production, including mining, makes it worthwhile to switch to electric.

“While there is a bigger carbon footprint in the very short term because of the manufacturing process in creating the batteries for electric vehicles, very quickly you come out ahead in CO2 emissions by year three and then for all of the rest of the vehicle lifetime, you’re far ahead and so cumulatively much lower carbon footprint,” said Drew Shindell, an earth science professor at Duke University and study co-author.

The researchers evaluated several harmful air pollutants monitored by the Environmental Protection Agency, as well as emissions data, to compare the relative impact over time of EVs and internal combustion engines on air quality and climate change.

Their analysis said that EVs produce 30% higher carbon dioxide emissions than gasoline vehicles in their first two years. That can be attributed to the energy-intensive production and manufacturing processes involved in mining lithium for EV batteries.

They also sought to account for how the U.S. energy system might develop in coming years, assuming growth in clean energy. And they modeled four different scenarios for EV adoption, ranging from the lowest — a 31% share of vehicle sales — to the highest, 75% of sales, by 2050. (EV sales accounted for about 8% of new vehicle sales in the U.S. in 2024.)

The researchers said the average of those four models found that for each additional kilowatt hour of lithium-ion battery output, carbon dioxide emissions drop by an average of 220 kilograms (485 pounds) in 2030, and another 127 kilograms (280 pounds) in 2050.

The consistent decrease in CO2 emissions from EVs is “not only driven by the on-road vehicles, but also reduction that has been brought due to electricity production,” said lead author Pankaj Sadavarte, a postdoctoral researcher at Northern Arizona University.

Greg Keoleian, a University of Michigan professor of sustainable systems who wasn’t involved in the research, called it a “valuable study” that echoes other findings and “confirms the environmental and economic benefits” of EVs.

“Accelerating the adoption of battery electric vehicles is a key strategy for decarbonizing the transportation sector which will reduce future damages and costs of climate change,” he said.

Shindell, the Duke researcher, said the grid will evolve to have more solar and wind power.

“When you add a bunch of electric vehicles, nobody’s going to build new coal-fired power plants to run these things because coal is really expensive compared to renewables,” he said. “So the grid just overall becomes much cleaner in both the terms of carbon emissions for climate change, and for air pollution.”

Outside experts agreed — as long as the policy landscape supports it. That hasn’t been the case under President Donald Trump, who has worked to boost fossil fuels and restrain solar and wind power development.

“The great news is the rest of the world isn’t slowing down in terms of its embrace of this technology,” said Ellen Kennedy, principal for carbon-free transportation at RMI, a clean energy nonprofit. As for the U.S., she said, “I think it’s important to keep in mind states and local governments, there’s a lot that’s happening on those fronts.”

One thing the study didn’t address was recycling or disposal of batteries at the end of their life. Kennedy said battery recycling will improve, helping to address one of the environmental impacts of their production.

The study comes at a notable time given the challenges that EVs face in the U.S.

EVs have seen more interest in recent years as an alternative to gas-powered cars and trucks — particularly as they become more affordable and charging infrastructure becomes more available.

But growth has slowed amid shifting federal policy toward EVs and an industry step back from ambitious EV production promises.

Former President Joe Biden set a target for 50% of all new vehicle sales in the U.S. to be electric by 2030. But Trump reversed that policy, and Congress has terminated federal tax credits for an EV purchase. The administration has also targeted vehicle pollution rules that would encourage greater uptake of EVs in the U.S., and the president has attempted to halt a nationwide EV charging buildout.

“The study is important to show how really misguided the current administration’s policies are,” Shindell said. “If we want to protect us from climate change and from the very clear and local damage from poor air quality, this is a really clear way to do it: Incentivize the switch from internal combustion engines to EVs.”

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Alexa St. John is an Associated Press climate reporter. Follow her on X: @alexa_stjohn. Reach her at ast.john@ap.org.

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Read more of AP’s climate coverage.

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The Associated Press’ climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.

Sustained growth in client activity, driven by sector specialization

Despite global uncertainty, BBVA CIB has reinforced its commitment to supporting the sustained growth of wholesale clients in 2025, thanks to a sector specialization model built on tailored solutions and a long-term strategic vision.

This approach is reflected in a 16% year-on-year increase in revenues from the corporate segment through September, with particularly strong performance in the energy (+23%), consumer & retail (+19%) and TMT (+16%) sectors. In the institutional segment, growth accelerated to 23% year-on-year, driven by strong performance in the public sector (60%) and among financial sponsors (+49%).

Business unit performance

Global Markets (GM) continued to deliver strong growth across all strategic areas, with currencies (FX) and equities playing a key role. Revenues reached €1,847 million through September, up 27% year-on-year. FX saw exceptional performance in Turkey and Mexico, driven by significantly higher trading volumes and the volatility stemming from geopolitical tensions. The equities business benefited from strong institutional activity in the U.S. and Asia, as well as the integration of BBVA Trader into the retail channels. The positive performance of the rates business was supported by activity in the U.S. and the financing business. Meanwhile, the credit business continued to perform solidly in the U.S., Europe and Mexico, underpinned by strong origination activity.

Global Transaction Banking (GTB) maintained strong momentum in the third quarter of 2025, with cumulative revenues reaching €1,841 million in the first nine months of the year, a 19% increase versus the same period in 2024. This performance reflects the consolidation of structured receivables solutions and notable progress in inventory, liquidity and supply chain management. Sustained growth was recorded in key markets, supported by higher transaction volumes across geographies and business units within the Group. These factors contributed to year-on-year improvements despite a more challenging environment marked by lower returns on interest rates and persistent geopolitical tensions. In this context, activity reached record levels in loans, deposits and guarantees, driving double-digit growth in both net interest income and fees. As a result, GTB’s efficiency ratio remained below industry standards, reflecting highly effective execution.

Investment Banking & Finance (IB&F) delivered an outstanding performance in the first nine months of the year, with results reaching €1,038 million, a 35% increase compared to the same period in 2024. This strong performance was mainly driven by corporate lending activity in the U.S., United Kingdom, Rest of Europe and Mexico, as well as structured trade finance in Spain and Rest of Europe. In addition, project finance continued to show strong momentum, particularly in the U.S. and Europe, with renewable energy and TMT projects as the main drivers of growth.

In a context marked by geopolitical uncertainty and market volatility, corporate finance activity remained resilient and dynamic, posting a significant increase in revenues over the nine-month period.

Cross-border business at BBVA CIB

Cross-border business continues to be one of the key growth drivers for BBVA CIB, strengthening market connectivity and supporting clients in their international expansion. So far this year, it already accounts for 43% of the division’s total revenues, following a strong momentum in recent months that has resulted in 17% growth. Mexico remains the most attractive market for clients, while the franchise continues to deepen its presence in the United States and United Kingdom, and relevant transactions are being closed in Brazil. This progress is underpinned by large structured financing deals and the development of innovative global trade finance solutions, particularly in prepayments and inventory finance.

Sustainability as a business driver

Between January and September 2025, BBVA CIB channelled approximately €49,700 million in sustainable finance, a 36% year-on-year increase. BBVA continues to promote the financing of clean technologies (cleantech) and renewable energy projects in the wholesale segment, as well as solutions such as sustainability-linked supply chain finance (confirming). Notably, financing for renewable energy projects reached €2,100 million through September.