The U.S. war with Iran has raised fossil fuel prices so much that the resulting drop in oil demand has put the world on track to see a rare dip in carbon emissions from these sources in 2026.

Between 2019 and 2025, carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels grew by about 0.8 percent annually, according to a new study published in Nature Climate Change. But 2026 is set to buck that trend: high oil prices, as well as the continued rise of green technology—solar power, wind and electric cars—will cause a “short-term” 0.4 percent drop, according to the study.

“The high petrol prices following the war in Iran are reducing oil use and keeping emissions low,” says the study’s lead author Corinne Le Quéré, a professor of climate change science at the University of East Anglia in England. “But that’s not the whole story: The expansion of renewable energy has progressed a lot in recent years, led by China. And [along with electric vehicles], this is offsetting two thirds of the growing demand for energy.”

With all sources of carbon considered, including deforestation, total global CO2 emissions are set to continue increasing.

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[–] chronicledmonocle@lemmy.world 18 points 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago) (3 children)

I don't get it. I live in Texas and even with the brain dead $300 registration fee tacked on for EVs and the significantly cheaper gas prices compared to the rest of the US, it's still multiple factors of cheaper to drive an EV.

I bought a 2023 Chevy Bolt EUV. Even with excessive use charges from the electric company and the $300 annual registration spread out over 12 months, I spend around 1/3 to 1/2 of what my Prius cost in gas I had before this vehicle. And that was a PRIUS. I'm also not counting maintenance/repair items that only apply to a gas vehicle, like the head gasket it blew up, or the oil changes, or the coil pack that died in it.....

I used 375 kWh last month charging. My electric rate is $0.075 per kWh until I use more than 400 kWh in a month. Then it goes to $0.096. Even assuming that all of my charging was at the higher rate, that's $61 for the entire month of driving, if I break out the $300 annual fee across all 12 months. To drive the same ~1500 in my Prius V that got 38MPG on average between city and highway (according to the dash), that cost around $162 per month. And that's in Texas, where gas is $3.25 a gallon right now. This is essentially worst case scenario for an EV, given all of the things against it, and it's still barely above 1/3 of the cost.

Imagine someone coming from a fully gas SUV, in a state where gas is more expensive, where the registration fee isn't 3x of the income of gas taxes, etc. It would blow that person's mind that, instead of paying $50-60 per fill up one to two times a week, they could drive an EV for that much FOR THE ENTIRE MONTH.

[–] qqq@lemmy.world 3 points 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago) (3 children)

It's the sticker price of EVs that is the concern for people. Maybe also the price to install a charger at home? If car manufacturers would make more affordable EVs I bet more people would happily get one when they need a new car

[–] chronicledmonocle@lemmy.world 2 points 2 days ago

I bought my 2023 Bolt EUV used still with the manufacturer warranty for $15.5k. Not cheap, but certainly not insanely high either.

As for charger, most people don't need more than a standard wall outlet provides at 115V 12 amps. I charge mine on a 230V plug at 24 amps, which most people can accomplish easily with even an existing 100 amp service panel.

[–] bss03@infosec.pub 2 points 2 days ago* (last edited 1 day ago)

Maybe also the price to install a charger at home?

I have owned an EV for 7+ years and do not have a home charger, but rarely charge anywhere else. You can charge them at 8A 120V overnight and still get more range than most people use most days. I mostly charge at 12A 120V.

If car manufacturers would make more affordable EVs I bet more people would happily get one when they need a new car

Maybe. The lack of BEVs (or even PHEVs) in the US market is certainly woeful.

[–] AA5B@lemmy.world 1 points 1 day ago

I wish we could make the entire US watch that Technology Connections video. He does a very good job of explaining how cheap charging solutions are enough for most of us

I did install a level 2 charger

it was similar cost to installing a stove circuit, plus $500 for the charger. Really not that bad
there are several cheaper options that would have been sufficient
after three years it’s probably paid for itself

Don’t get me wrong, a full 48a level 2 charger is a great convenience, but minimally different from, say, repurposing an electric dryer circuit

[–] Tja@programming.dev 4 points 2 days ago (1 children)

On top of that it's more convenient (if you have a garage) and more enjoyable to drive (quieter, better acceleration).

[–] chronicledmonocle@lemmy.world 3 points 2 days ago

Absolutely

[–] AA5B@lemmy.world 1 points 1 day ago (1 children)

Damn, jelly. I Also calculate my EV as cutting my gas cost in half but it would be harder to beat a Prius when my electric rate is $0.36 per kWh

It would blow that person’s mind that, …. they could drive an EV for that much FOR THE ENTIRE MONTH.

Surprisingly this doesn’t seem to work. Maybe it’s too abstract for many? I still get responses like “but damn that would really hit your electric bill”. I mean sure but it’s only half.

[–] chronicledmonocle@lemmy.world 1 points 1 day ago (1 children)

You sure it's not $0.036? That seems excessively high.

If that's actually what you're paying, I'd seriously consider getting solar to offset the costs.

[–] AA5B@lemmy.world 1 points 21 hours ago

Yeah it’s pretty damn high, and that’s why I’ve been annoyed that Trump keeps trying to kill our offshore wind farms.

I looked into solar a few times and regret not doing so before the incentives were killed. They are still claiming seven year payback based on electricity prices and state incentives, but that upfront cost is a killer.

The solar installer industry is still full of scammers and greasy salesmen. Every negative stereotype you’ve seen about used car salesmen is so much more true of solar installer sales. Every time I’d barely get started in the process and already feel violated. It was such an unpleasant experience I was never willing to complete the process