Electric Vehicle Use in EU Countries and their Environmental Impact

V magistrskem delu smo analizirali uporabo električnih avtomobilov v državah članicah Evropske unije in njihov vpliv na okolje. V prvem delu smo predstavili zgodovino razvoja električnega avtomobila, njegove značilnosti in delovanje, izpostavili smo razliko med avtomobilom na notranje izgorevanje in električnim avtomobilom, predstavili ovire in prednosti pri uvajanju električnih avtomobilov, opisali zakonodajo na področju električnih avtomobilov ter predstavili, kako uporaba električnega avtomobila vpliva na okolje. V drugem delu magistrskega dela smo z dostopnimi statističnimi podatki preučili uporabo električnih avtomobilov v državah članicah EU. Ugotovili smo pozitivno zvezo med kazalcem BDP na prebivalca in deležem registriranih električnih avtomobilov. Poudariti je treba, da države z višjim deležem registriranih električnih avtomobilov ne beležijo nujno manjših izpustov emisij toplogrednih plinov v prometu. Prav tako se kaže šibka povezanost med deležem obnovljivih virov energije, porabljene v transportu, in deležem registriranih električnih avtomobilov. Ugotovili smo, da je prostorska umestitev električnih polnilnic bolj optimalna za uporabnike električnih avtomobilov v državah, ki so bolj razvite na področju električne mobilnosti. Z analizo sekundarnih virov in dostopnih statističnih podatkov smo dokazali, da uveljavitev in uporaba električnih avtomobilov trenutno ne rešujeta okoljske problematike na področju prometa. Potrebna bosta napredek na področju pridobivanja električne energije iz obnovljivih virov energije in pravilno recikliranje električnih avtomobilov na koncu njihove življenjske dobe.In the master\u27s thesis we have analyzed the use of electric cars in the countries of the European Union and their impact on the environment. In the first part, we have portrayed the history of electric car development, their characteristics and how they function, pointed out the difference between cars using a combustion engine and electric cars, outlined the obstacles and advantages facing the introduction of electric cars, described the legislation regarding electric cars, and presented how electric car use impacts the environment. In the second part of the master’s thesis, we have studied electric car use in EU countries using available statistical data. We have found a positive correlation between GDP per capita and the amount of registered electric cars. It is relevant to point out that the countries with a higher amount of registered electric cars do not necessarily monitor lesser emissions of greenhouse gas in transport. It is also evident that there is a slight correlation between renewable energy sources used in transportation and the amount of registered electric cars. We have concluded that the positioning of electric charging stations is more favorable for electric car users in countries that are more developed in the field of electric mobility. Analyzing secondary sources and available statistical data, we have proven that the establishment and use of electrics cars alone does not solve the environmental issues posed by transport. Advancement will be required in the field of acquiring electrical energy from renewable energy sources, as well as proper recycling of electric cars after final use