Electric Vehicles (EVs) have become increasingly popular as a cleaner alternative to gasoline-powered vehicles. They are presented as one of the most important ways to reduce human-caused contamination and combat climate change. However, what of this is actually true? Is EVs merely fad, or do they represent a legitimate way to protect our planet? Let’s look at the details of EVs.
Traditional Gasoline/Diesel Vehicles
Gasoline/Diesel Engines are major contributors to carbon dioxide emissions. Carbon Dioxide however heats up and increases the likelihood of Global Warming.
In addition to being a major source of C02, a gasoline/diesel engine also produces “dirty” air (pollutants) that cause respiratory illnesses and create unhealthy respiratory conditions.
In urban areas where there is high density population, air pollution caused by traditional gasoline/diesel powered vehicles can have serious impact on human health and quality of life.
The Impact of Electric Vehicles
EVs produce zero emissions during operation, operate quietly, and do not contribute to air pollution like traditional internal combustion engines do. They furthermore consume energy more efficiently and therefore waste less energy in the propulsion system, resulting in overall lower greenhouse gas emissions as the miles accumulate on the vehicle.
The Source of Electricity is Important
Batteries for electric vehicles require an electrical source to function. If this source of electricity is produced using coal or oil, the positive impact on the environment will be much less than if the source of electricity was generated through renewable resources, such as solar, wind or hydroelectric sources. The availability of cleaner sources of electricity leads to greater environmental benefits with EVs than if they were charged from traditional fossil-fuel based sources.
Environmental Issues and Battery Production
People are concerned about EV batteries because battery production uses rare metals, such as cobalt and lithium, which are harmful to the environment due to their method of extraction.
Battery manufacturing releases a certain amount of pollution; however, the amount of pollution produced during the lifetime of an electric vehicle is ultimately less than what would have been created if it was powered by gasoline.
A Comparison of Life Cycles
In terms of carbon emissions, when the life cycle of an electric vehicle is compared to that of a conventional fossil fuel vehicle during its full range of operation, from initial creation, through daily operation, and ultimately destruction, the electric vehicle has a significantly lower overall carbon footprint. In fact, while electric vehicles may produce greater emissions during their initial manufacture, they will be cleaner than conventional fossil fuel vehicles after only a few years of operation.
An Overview
Electric vehicles are a significant advancement, but there are other areas in addition to electric vehicles we need to address in order to be able to further reduce our carbon footprints. We need to work towards decreasing overall automobile traffic, improve our mass transit options and design our urban areas in a way that fosters the use of both walking and bike riding. Electric vehicles represent an element of an overall picture which will be both short- and long-term solutions to global climate change.
Obstacles Ahead
Certain issues still exist to impede EVs. The cost of the vehicle is high and there is a limited number of available charging stations; consumers also have concerns related to “range” when taking long journeys. Additionally, the recycling process of batteries has not yet been entirely developed. However, technological development is currently taking place, as some (but not all) of these problems gradually become less daunting.
What You Can Do To Make Contributions
You don’t have to purchase an electric vehicle (EV) in order to be part of the solution. Other options include using public transportation, walking more, and promoting the use of clean energy in your community. If you’re in the process of purchasing a new vehicle, it is advisable to consider an electric vehicle.
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