Electric Cars: Are they environmentally-friendly?
Electric cars are beginning to make a revolutionary impact in the technology world, as more advancements and research are being conducted. We all have heard of large electric car companies such as Tesla but, do these cars really bring as many benefits to the environment as they claim to be?
“5.1 million electric cars are on the roads globally in China, Europe, and the U.S.” — CNBC
Long Term Cost of Electric Cars
Although electric cars are often more expensive than normal cars when purchasing, they end up being cheaper in the long run. Since gasoline prices are constantly increasing and some cars use up to 15 or 16 gallons of gas, electric vehicles can cut down those prices by thousands and are perfect for long-distance drivers.
“The average cost to operate an EV in the United States is $485 per year, while the average for a gasoline-powered vehicle is $1,117.” — University of Michigan’s Transportation Institute
Furthermore, electric cars have fewer mechanical parts than petrol cars, which means that there are fewer parts that may need repair. Petrol cars can be quite costly when it comes to repairs for the engine and other parts.
However, electric cars only need basic repairs for tires, breaks, and battery changes every 8 years. On top of that, there are some state and federal incentives that are available to reduce the costs and encourage the purchase of electric cars.
Are Electric Cars Environmentally Friendly?
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, “A typical passenger vehicle emits about 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year.” 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide from just one vehicle a year can be extremely unhealthy for the environment, considering how many cars are being driven in the world right now.
Air pollution is a serious issue in the world today and the cause of many health problems including lung disease.
Luckily, electric vehicles can reduce these issues and improve air quality for years to come, as they do not have any exhaust emissions, unlike petrol cars.
Additionally, electric cars also have the option to be charged using solar power during the day, which can have a beneficial impact on the production of greenhouse gas emissions.
Purchasing a Car?
Now that more car companies such as Ford, Nissan, and Chevrolet are getting involved and producing some electronic models, electronic vehicles are taking the world by storm.
More company involvement means that electric vehicles can become widely available at different price ranges which can cater to an individual’s budget and needs.
If you are considering purchasing a car, keep in mind the environmental benefits that electric cars provide and how you can do your own share in making the Earth healthier for generations to come.
Sources
Anwar, Nessa. “Electric Cars May Be Powering Ahead, but It Will Be a Long Way before They Go Mainstream.” CNBC, CNBC, 7 Nov. 2019, www.cnbc.com/2019/11/04/long-way-before-electric-cars-evs-become-mainstream-transportation.html.
“Benefits Of Electric Cars.” Ergon Energy, www.ergon.com.au/network/smarter-energy/electric-vehicles/benefits-of-electric-vehicles.
“Costs and Benefits of Electric Cars vs. Conventional Vehicles.” EnergySage, www.energysage.com/electric-vehicles/costs-and-benefits-evs/evs-vs-fossil-fuel-vehicles/.
“Greenhouse Gas Emissions from a Typical Passenger Vehicle.” EPA, Environmental Protection Agency, 10 May 2018, www.epa.gov/greenvehicles/greenhouse-gas-emissions-typical-passenger-vehicle.
Interested in learning more about Linens N Love? Visit LinensNLove.org or follow us on Instagram @LinensNLove to stay connected with the Linens N Love community!
Edited by: Rena Watanabe, Director of Research Bloggers
