Electric vehicles have been gaining popularity in the market, with manufacturers benefiting from government programs that offer incentives and special access to customers. However, there has been growing concern about the validity of zero-emissions claims made by many electric automobile, motorbike, and scooter companies. While these vehicles produce no greenhouse gases directly, the mining and manufacturing processes, as well as EV charging, emit CO2.
To address this issue, France has instituted a new law that prohibits manufacturers from claiming a vehicle is carbon neutral if the same cannot be said of its production or recharging stages. The law came into effect on January 1, 2023, and is designed to hold electric vehicle manufacturers accountable for their carbon footprint.
Under the new law, companies cannot claim that a product is carbon neutral unless they provide a greenhouse gas emissions report (direct and indirect) to the public. They must also state how they avoided, reduced, and offset carbon emissions, as well as the methods of compensating for residual greenhouse gas.
If an electric vehicle manufacturer fails to provide evidence of their carbon footprint claims, they can be fined €100,000 ($105,500 USD). The government allows the company to prove its carbon footprint claims within a month of notification.
This move by France sets a precedent for other countries and encourages manufacturers to be more transparent in their advertising practices. It ensures that customers are not misled by greenwashing verbiage used in marketing campaigns.
As the future of mobility, electric vehicles play a crucial role in reducing carbon emissions and combating climate change. However, it is essential to recognize the carbon footprint associated with their production and charging stages. France’s new laws are a significant step towards holding manufacturers accountable for their carbon footprint, and we can expect other countries to follow suit.
