Electric cars promise not only major reductions in CO2 emissions but also significant reductions in air pollution, potentially saving hundreds of thousands of lives every year. If you’re thinking of switching to an electric car and wondering how electric cars are better for the environment, this blog post is for you. Check out how electric vehicles make driving much cleaner and healthier for everyone.
Reduced Emissions for Cleaner Air
Electric cars are rapidly becoming synonymous with eco-friendliness due to their tailpipe emissions. Unlike internal combustion engine vehicles that emit harmful pollutants and greenhouse gases directly into the atmosphere, EVs run on electricity stored in batteries. This cleaner power source translates into significantly lower carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions over the vehicle’s lifetime.
Comparing emissions across different vehicle types reveals the environmental superiority of electric cars. Research from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Insights Into Future Mobility study found that battery electric vehicles emit only 200 grams of CO2 per mile, compared to more than 350 grams emitted by gasoline vehicles.
A Breath of Fresh Air
The transition to EVs surprisingly comes with health benefits as well, mainly by improving air quality and reducing exposure to harmful pollutants. The evidence is clear: as more vehicles shift to electric power, the public health gains become increasingly substantial.
Princeton University’s Net-Zero America report, for instance, estimates that a complete shift to EVs powered by renewable or zero-carbon electricity could prevent up to 170,000 premature deaths and save around $1.5 trillion in damages by 2050. Similarly, the 2035 Report 2.0 from Energy Innovation and the University of California, Berkeley, projects 150,000 avoided deaths and $1.3 trillion in reduced environmental and health costs by 2050.
Localised Impact on Communities
Recent studies emphasise the importance of understanding how the benefits of EV adoption can vary across different communities. The initial research on air pollution’s health effects focused on cities with higher pollution levels and associated health risks. However, as electric vehicles become more prevalent, localised benefits can have a profound impact on communities, reducing disparities in health outcomes and improving overall quality of life.
Long-term Impact on the Environment
It is true that the manufacturing process of electric cars produces more greenhouse gases than the average gasoline vehicle. This is due to the fact that electric cars’ large lithium-ion batteries require a lot of materials and energy to construct. Once the vehicles are on the road, the energy story changes drastically. Electric vehicles make up for their higher manufacturing emissions within, at most, 18 months of driving — and continue to outperform gasoline cars until the end of their lives.
Are electric vehicle batteries recyclable?
We have good news here, there are plenty of options for reusing and recycling EV batteries. 95% of EV batteries can be recycled, and while there are recycling plants, companies are already using spent EV batteries to store electricity generated by solar panels.
Are hybrid cars just as good for the environment?
A hybrid vehicle has a lower impact on the environment than a petrol- or diesel-powered internal combustion engine (ICE). A hybrid’s green credentials depend on how many miles it travels on electric power and how it is charged.
Final thoughts
As technology advances, and as more regions transition to renewable energy sources, the positive impact of electric vehicles on the environment and public health will only continue to grow. It’s clear that the road to a cleaner, healthier future is increasingly electrified.
Are you ready to help our planet with your own electric car?
You may be considering an electric vehicle with in-house financing, then DriveItAway is the easiest way. Have the flexibility of driving a car, and then decide whether you want to return it, own it or continue your subscription, with our rent-to-own car program.
If you have any questions about our app or our in-house finance options, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. You can reach us at (519) 507-2277 or send an email to [email protected]. Our dedicated team is here to assist you and provide the information you need. Feel free to reach out to us, and we’ll be happy to help!