Fossil fuels are the biggest culprits in the global climactic crises. The CO2 emissions from petrol and diesel cars are causing global warming at an unprecedented rate. Many countries are taking serious measures to tackle the ongoing environment change by using more electric vehicles. Many powerful economies are aware of the threat gasoline vehicles have posed to the ecosystem.
Electronic transportation is a major stride in controlling greenhouse gas emissions. The advances in technology are making EVs accessible to a larger audience. The unprecedented growth in electric vehicles is promising in addressing the environment crisis. EVs are growing popular at voracious speed and internal combustion engine vehicles are already overtaken by the EVs.
Table of Contents
If you want to know whether electronic vehicles are better for the environment or not. Hang in there! Here are the major advantages of best electric cars for the ecosystem.
Difference EVs are Making
The major difference can be seen in our surroundings, the environment. Electric vehicles comes with zero emissions, here’s how;
Zero Emissions
Electric Vehicles are reigning luxury over conventional combustion engines due to the lower carbon emissions they generate. Diesel and petrol vehicles are accountable for contributing to the greenhouse gas emissions.
According to research, only a gallon of gasoline combustion releases a shocking 20 pounds of toxic greenhouse gas emissions. Replacing gasoline cars with EVs will contribute to reducing these emissions significantly.
EVs are More Efficient
Electric cars are way more efficient than the fuel-powered cars. They do not use energy in a static mode or during frequent stops in the rush hour. Gasoline vehicles continuously consume energy even in a stationary position. Thus, EVs waste far less energy than their conventional counterpart. Continue reading for more positive impacts EVs are responsible for;
1. Regenerative Braking System
Regenerative Braking enhances the efficiency of the best electrical vehicle significantly. When the driver applies the brakes, the motor converts the kinetic energy to produce electric energy. The electricity is then saved in the battery. This process of regenerating electricity through braking saves energy.
In internal combustion engines, energy is wasted in the frequent use of brakes while in EVs the regenerative braking recharges the batteries even during driving. This energy is stored in the battery extending its range and enhancing its efficiency.
2. No Wastage of energy
Electric cars convert 77% of the electrical energy to move the car while gasoline engines convert far less amount of energy due to the multiple stages of heating, friction, combustion, etc.
3. Air Pollution
The revolution of electric vehicles is primarily fueled by its capability to decrease hazardous emissions from the environment significantly. It does not cause air pollution, unlike gasoline-powered vehicles. Conventional diesel and petrol-powered vehicles contaminate the planet with toxic emissions.
According to PNAS, toxic emissions cost millions of people their lives and lead to severe health issues. Research shows that electric cars can make the air cleaner which significantly improves health.
4. Noise Pollution
An important contribution of the EVs is the decrease in noise pollution. Electric vehicles are a lot quieter than gasoline-powered cars because EVs are powered by an electric motor, not an engine. A surge in EVs can ensure a break from the constant noise generated by gasoline cars and offer a calmer and more comfortable ride.
5. Additional Incentives
Many countries offer benefits to EV owners to encourage electronic transportation. Some of these benefits include exemption from tolls or taxes wavering off fees during car purchases and many more.
6. Reduces Expenditure on Fuel
These vehicles are energy efficient which means that they utilize most of the energy in propelling the vehicle. This factor significantly reduces the expenditure on fuel. Furthermore, the regenerative braking system extends the charge in the battery and extends range before another stop to charge the battery.
7. Convenient Charging
The convenience of charging at home gives EVs an upper hand over conventional cars. The trend of installing charging points at home, workplace, and public places saves you trips to the gas station.
You only need to plug them in and they charge on their own at their destination. They provide you the luxury of boasting your batteries in the comfort of your home or at work making EVs more practical and desirable in the fast-paced world.
8. Source of Electricity
A full-on benefit could only be achieved from the EVs by finding a cleaner renewable energy source. Electric Vehicles usually rely on fossil fuels like coal, gas, and oil in the environment to recharge their batteries. Using fossil fuels to generate electricity poses serious climactic challenges. They emit toxic chemicals like Carbon dioxide, Nitrogen, and Sulphur dioxide.
The target of a cleaner and greener environment is possible only if there is a shift from fossil fuel charging grids to renewable energy sources like wind or solar energy for charging electric vehicles. Experts believe that the only solution to the environmental crises is a transition to solar grids. Installation of solar panels can aid in reaping the full advantages of electronic transportation for the environment. Adopting solar energy is the only answer to the crisis of global warming.
9. Lower Maintenance Expense
Fuel cars need a lot more maintenance than electric ones. Owning an EV absolves you of the obligation to change the oil. In an EV the only moving parts are the motor and battery the rest of the system is all electronic while in the traditional fuel vehicles all the parts require intensive maintenance.
You can find ways to maintain your car at a lower cost by recharging the battery in off-peak times. And also with the fuel prices constantly soaring electric cars may be a cheaper alternative to the average.
10. Free Charging Spots
Owning an electric car comes with additional perks like free charging. Every now and then you come across free charging points, a sidekick of having an EV. You can find the spots online and get a free boost every once in a while.
11. Job Opportunities
It also contributes positively to the country’s economy. This revolution has created thousands of employment opportunities which is a good initiative in contributing positively to the environment.
12. Lithium-Ion Batteries
The batteries in electric cars are made up of lithium-ion. These rechargeable batteries contains Lithium, Graphite, Cobalt, Manganese, and Nickel. The surging demand in the use of these batteries results in drilling down for the metals in the earth.
The repercussions of incessant drilling for these materials are detrimental to the earth. Only a ton of Lithium releases 15 tons of carbon dioxide. The extraction requires millions of gallons of water. It not only threatens the supply of water but causes damage to the ground too. It also impacts the nearby water reserves and damages the ecosystem.
The conventional combustion engines release 1.9 tonnes of emissions, for a tonne of steel production. This argument about the mining of the material of the batteries does not tilt in favor of EVs. However, there is an ongoing debate about whether the EVs compensate for the damages they wreak in the sourcing of the material.
Environmental Disadvantages
Unfortunately, EVs have some disadvantages too, as follows;
1. EVs Battery Disposal
One more important factor is the disposal of a dead battery and replacing it with a new one. The unprecedented growth in EVs means an increasing number of used batteries. Only a small number is recycled the rest are dumped underground. It is a liability that needs immediate attention.
The leakage from the dead batteries releases pollutants. The hazardous contaminants damage the climate. Inhaling them causes severe health issues too. Many countries are taking positive steps in outlining laws regarding the disposal of used batteries. The process is only in its infancy and the disposal of dead batteries poses a threat to the ecosystem.
Attempts are made to breathe life into the batteries like jumping it up. There are instances of using a dead battery for other purposes like an electric charging grid. The process, however, is in its infancy. It needs a lot of research and experimentation until it bears fruit.
Related Pick: 7 Simple Tips on How to Do A Car Battery Maintenance
Recycling the wasted battery is another milestone that EV manufacturers are looking forward to. Experiments are carried out to fix the damaged cells and reuse the battery. But if the cells are completely damaged projects are already on the way to recycle the batteries. Several EV companies have taken the initiative to recycle the batteries to extract raw materials like lithium and cobalt. These attempts to conserve the valuable materials used in the batteries reduce environmental damage. It contributes to a better economy, reduces the wastage of reservoirs, and enhances their efficiency.
2. Damaging the Ecosystem
Electric vehicle negatively impacts the environment primarily because of the production of the batteries. Firstly, the raw material needed for the battery requires extensive mining. It exploits the habitat and destroys the ecosystem. Secondly, refining the raw material to manufacture batteries requires a significant amount of energy.
The energy used for the process unfortunately comes from fossil fuels and not a renewable source which results in damaging the ecosystem.
The Bottom Line
Experts believe that the electrification of vehicles plays a significant role in achieving our climate goals. Thanks to innovation and research, EV companies are taking strides in manufacturing affordable vehicles, that have longer battery lives and extended range. Attempts to use renewable energy sources herald an era of cleaner and greener climate.
