evidence: Fears that electric cars could actually increase carbon emissions are a damaging myth, new research shows. [...] The new research from the universities of Exeter, Nijmegen - in The Netherlands - and Cambridge shows that in 95% of the world, driving an electric car is better for the climate than a petrol car. [...] The researchers say average "lifetime" emissions from electric cars are up to 70% lower than petrol cars in countries like Sweden and France (where most electricity comes from renewables and nuclear), and around 30% lower in the UK.