An electric car’s effect on the environment is a greener economy where there is less dependence on oil and where the goals for climate change are met.
As electric vehicle (EV) technology makes its way into the mainstream, it is faced with a common question: “are electric cars greener?”
Electric cars are greener than one might think. Compared to conventional vehicles, EVs do not produce tailpipe emissions, and they promote a healthier lifestyle.
As an eco-friendly alternative to conventional gas-powered cars, electric vehicles help reduce an individual’s contributed air pollution, smog, and carbon footprint. They also offer financial benefits, such as saving approximately 75% from fuel costs, having no tune-ups, and having lower operating and ownership costs. Because of this, EVs are widely known as a cost-effective means to achieving sustainable transportation.
Governments and auto manufacturers worldwide advertise EVs as the key to controlling oil consumption and alleviating climate change. Because of the recognition given to an electric car’s effect on the environment, many automotive companies are preparing to pivot towards these battery-powered models, and more drivers are upgrading their vehicles accordingly.
Are Electric Cars Better for the Environment?
The most notable benefit of EVs is their major contribution to improving the air quality in towns and cities. Electric cars provide pedestrians and cyclists with cleaner streets. It is noted that, in just over a year, one EV alone can save an average of 1.5 million grams of carbon dioxide.
Despite EVs having zero exhaust emissions, they still produce greenhouse gases when charged from an electrical grid. To reduce this, it’s vital to have a solar PV system and charge your EV at night or to purchase GreenPower from your local power company. GreenPower allows you to get electricity from renewable resources.
To elaborate on the mutually beneficial relationship between electric cars and the environment, here are some direct and indirect environmental benefits of owning an electric vehicle.
How Do Electric Cars Help the Environment?
1. EVs leave a small environmental footprint.
Driving an electric car can reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by around 80%. Cars and trucks in New Brunswick, for example, burn over 1.1 billion liters of gasoline annually, releasing over 2.5 million tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. A lower emission rate lowers the chances of extreme weather conditions, worsening climate change, and developing smog-related health problems.
2. EVs are convenient.
Electric vehicles boast accessible convenience, day in and day out. Running on full charge allows you to drive up to 200 miles, which means fewer stops and less refueling hassle. Like conventional gas-powered vehicles, a battery is available to store energy and offer an extra electricity supply.
3. EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions.
Unlike traditional engines that rely on diesel and gasoline to operate, full EVs do not need a tailpipe. Without the gas-emitting tailpipe that conventional cars usually have, electric vehicles do not produce carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels. Owning an EV can help you significantly reduce air pollution.
EVs use emission-free and rechargeable batteries like lithium-ion batteries. Many electric charging stations use renewable energy to charge these batteries; however, some stations are powered by harmful energy resources, like coal-burning power plants, which leaves a heavier carbon footprint. Still, even coal-powered EVs lead to lower emissions.
4. EV manufacturers use environment-friendly materials.
It has been a challenge for EV manufacturers to produce a functional, lightweight vehicle that offers greater range and a smaller carbon footprint. Traditional materials used to create gas-powered cars do not contribute well towards these goals, which is why manufacturers have turned to recycled and organic materials to produce more efficient, eco-friendly, and lightweight electric vehicles.
Apart from benefiting EV manufacturers, recycled materials also help the environment by reducing pollution caused by plastic and metal manufacturing.
5. EVs use cleaner energy.
The batteries used for EVs are a viable outlet for renewable energy sources. By charging your EV at night, your car can consume greater amounts of renewable energy, acting as a buffer to maintain your electrical system.
6. EV battery production is clean.
Manufacturing batteries, in general, can harm the environment when done inappropriately. Being a newer technology in the automotive industry, electric vehicles come with batteries made with strict adherence to an improved industry standard set by EV manufacturers.
Today, battery suppliers offer EV batteries that trump the carbon footprint reduction of those made two years ago by 2-3 times. With the growing interest in creating batteries from renewable sources, like solar and wind, EV batteries can have a large amount of energy without harmful emissions.
Have a Green and Efficient Vehicle at Home
EVs are expected to be even more advanced and long-lasting as a great alternative to conventional gas-powered cars in the years to come.
If you’re looking for the best maintenance and repair services for both electric and gas-powered cars, consult our team at Northwest Collision Center. As the best auto body repair shop in St. Petersburg, FL, we offer superior restoration services and solutions that consider the manufacturer’s specifications to return your vehicle to its original condition and performance.
For inquiries about our services, call 727-347-8945 today!
