Emissions of air pollutants at the powerplants to generate the energy required to charge the batteries for electric cars are calculated and compared with those from IC engine automobiles that will meet emission standards proposed by the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. The relative effect of these two types of vehicles on the environment will depend on the degree of emission controls imposed on electric powerplants. The data based on present information shows that electric cars would result in more pollutants than gasoline powered vehicles with emission controls, and hence, aggravate the air pollution problem on an area wide basis. How this picture may change in the next thirty to fifty years is also examined.
