Electric cars are a great invention of this century. Awareness among entrepreneurs around the world has led to a shift from combustion cars to electric cars. Electric cars promise of zero emissions that reduces air pollution, but there are so many controversies about the sustainability of electric cars which we will discuss in this article. We will discuss are electric cars good for our environment with the environmental pros and cons of electric vehicles.
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| Are electric cars good for environment? |
Electric cars are sustainable alternatives to combustion cars. They help reduce air pollution from the emission of harmful gases by combustion cars. Electric vehicles have just entered the market, they are promoted as a greener option of transportation . Examining the environmental pros and cons of electric vehicles is needed to say truly how much these are good for our environment.
Environmental Pros of Electric Vehicles
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| Environmental pros of electric vehicles |
Reduced Emissions
The most significant benefit of electric vehicles is that they don’t emit hazardous gases in the air, that significantly improves air quality. While the combustion cars emit hazardous gases like nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter.
Produces Less CO2
Electric vehicles that run on solar, wind, or hydropower lower the production of carbon dioxide in the environment. Even if the electricity is generated using fossil fuels, it produces less amount of CO2 as compared to combustion vehicles reducing our carbon footprint.
Integration with Renewable Energy
Electric vehicles have potential to use renewable energy sources. IIT runs on a battery which can also be charged by a renewable energy source. We can also discharge the battery to get energy during demand periods.
Energy Efficiency
Combustion cars can only use 20-30% of their energy for motion, while electric vehicles are able to use 60% of its energy to power the wheels reducing the energy loss.
Environmental Cons of Electric Vehicles
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| Environmental cons of electric cars |
These are some drawbacks of electric vehicles
Impact of battery production
Electric vehicles generally use lithium-ion batteries. Production of materials like lithium, nickel, and cobalt requires intensive energy which causes water and air pollution.
Needs resources
Electric vehicles need resources for production. Extraction of raw materials for electric vehicles can lead to environmental degradation. There is a demand for electric vehicles in recent years which drastically increase the production of these raw materials.
Use Electricity
Electric vehicles run on electricity. In regions where electricity is being generated using fossil fuels, the benefits of electric vehicles get reduced.
Battery Disposal and Recycling
When the lifecycle of battery of EV ends,the disposal and recycling of battery becomes a major challenge. Battery can be recycled but it is a very complex process. Improper disposal can release toxic substances into the environment. Proper recycling techniques must be look for.
Environmental Impact Analysis
The environmental impact of electric vehicles can be analysis looking the process from the production to disposal. Most of the studies proved that despite some environmental cons electric vehicles have a lower overall impact compared to combustion cars.
Electric cars vs combustion cars
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| Electric cars vs combustion cars |
Manufacturing process
Emission
Disposal
Regional analysis
- Europe is a continent that works on renewable energy. There electric vehicles have significantly reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emission.
- China has also reduces air pollution with the use of electric vehicles.
- Whereas the impact of United state is mixed that depends on energy production source and infrastructure.
Future Prospects
The more use of renewable energy and technological advancements battery production in future can reduce the environmental impact of electric vehicles. Technological development in battery can lead to less degradation of environment and improvement in recyclability and longevity of EVs and reduce the impact on environment making them a good option for sustainability.
How do Electric cars work?
Conclusion
Like a coin with two sides, electric vehicles have both environmental pros and cons. Everything comes with a cost and EVs also have negatives. They reduce air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and are energy efficient, but they have high initial costs and require raw materials and electricity, which may be fossil fuel-based.
Despite these negatives, electric vehicles are better for the environment compared to traditional cars. Traditional cars emit hazardous gases with CO2.
We have improved so much but there is a long journey forward to move for a better planet. Future advancements and new technologies can make electric vehicles more better and can cover their negatives.
Therefore, the final answer to whether electric vehicles are good for our environment is yes, they are better than any other option available to us now.
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