How Much Cleaner Really Is a Tesla? Depends on Where You Are

  • Powering up on coal-heavy grids still releases carbon dioxide
  • Japan’s EVs may get dirtier as fossil fuels replace nuclear

The interior view of a Tesla Motors Inc. Model S P90D, a model with some autopilot features, is seen during an exhibition featuring several self-driving cars outside of the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Tuesday, March 15, 2016.

Photographer: Drew Angerer/Bloomberg
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How much cleaner are electric cars than the fossil-fuel powered alternative? The answer depends on exactly where you charge the batteries.

QuickTake Cleaner Cars