Electric vehicles have grown in popularity over the years. One of the main reasons for this is the steady decrease in sticker prices by some manufacturers. The government also provides several incentives to EV buyers, making them a top choice. But choosing between an EV and a gasoline car is not as easy as one may think. There are several factors to consider, from environmental impact to carbon footprint and energy efficiency.
Electric vs. Gas Cars – Key Differences
Before looking into the environmental impact of electric cars vs. gas cars, it helps to understand the underlying mechanical differences between the two. Electric cars are powered by alternating electric currents. Using an induction motor and inverter, the electricity from a battery is converted to a magnetic field that propels the wheels to move. The battery must be charged regularly to transform the electric current into a magnetic field. Since electric cars do not emit gas, they do not have tailpipes.
Gas cars use internal combustion engines to move. Using a combination of gas and air, the engine generates energy that powers the wheels. This energy generation process releases exhaust through the car’s tailpipe. To ensure the engine functions well, oil is used to lubricate various parts. Also, a coolant and a radiator are used to prevent engine overheating.
Electric vs. Gas Cars Carbon Footprint Comparison
Gasoline cars naturally have a higher carbon footprint since they use fuel to power the engine. While it can seem like charging an EV has a negligent carbon footprint, this is not the case. When thinking about how eco-friendly electric vehicles are, it is important to note that making an EV battery requires about 56 and 494 kilograms of CO2 per kilowatt-hour of battery capacity (kg CO2/kWh). This equals the carbon footprint generated by driving 150-1,200 miles in an average gas-powered passenger vehicle. With an average battery having a capacity of 43 kilowatt-hours, simply producing it releases the same level of carbon emissions as driving about 50,000 miles in a gasoline car. Besides, these batteries contain raw materials and mined components like nickel and lithium. Most of these have limited lifespans, adding to the overall carbon footprint of the electric vehicle.
Electric vs. Gas Cars Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency is a top factor when determining whether electric or gas cars are greener. With several advancements in technology, batteries for EVs are now made to work for over 310,000 miles. This has improved their energy efficiency significantly. An added benefit is lower emissions during post production. On the other hand, continuous fuel production and replenishment are required to power a gasoline vehicle. This means higher emissions and lower energy efficiency.
Electric cars are generally more efficient since they can convert around 77% of the electrical energy that comes from the grid into operating power for the wheels. Meanwhile, conventional gas vehicles can convert only around 12% to 30% of the gasoline energy into power for the wheels.
Gas vs. Electric Cars Pollution Comparison
For many potential EV buyers, it is common to wonder if electric cars are better for the environment than gas cars. When it comes to the direct impact on the environment, it is crucial to consider whether electric cars reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The good news is that they do. Despite a significant carbon footprint produced during manufacturing, electric cars can significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions on the road. This is because they do not produce any tailpipe emissions compared to gasoline cars.
Generally, a conventional gas car releases around 165 to 170 grams of CO2 per kilometer. Meanwhile, an average EV emits about 50 grams of CO2 per kilometer, including the energy required to generate the electricity that powers the car. This means an electric vehicle can prevent around 1.5 million grams of CO2 from being released into the air over a year. So, there is a significant reduction in air pollution when driving an EV in the long term.
How Eco-Friendly Are Electric Vehicles?
Every type of vehicle can directly affect the environment, whether it runs on electricity or gasoline. This is because they all produce some waste and use components that generate carbon emissions. With electric vehicles having a slightly higher price than gas cars, it certainly requires people to have a higher budget than they normally would while buying a regular car. But if one has the necessary funds to invest in an electric car instead of a gas-powered model, an EV would be a better choice when thinking in terms of environmental impact. This is because electric cars produce lesser total emissions and are considered nearly 50% better than gasoline cars in terms of eco-friendliness.
One must research well before choosing between electric and gasoline cars. Speaking to an expert can help one decide which option is better for them.