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Electric vehicles and their impact on the environment

The global market for electric vehicles made significant progress during the last 10 years. According to recent figures, the quantity of light electric vehicles (or EVs as most people call it) reached over 2.2 million units in 2019-2020, which is 9 percent higher than in 2018.

However, sales still declined in the United States and China, two of the largest EV markets worldwide. Even then, the Global EV Outlook, a yearly publication showcasing the latest developments in electric mobility still consider 2019 a banner year for this industry.

As the world recovers from the Covid-19 pandemic, industry experts see a brighter future in the years to come.

Electric Vehicles: The Future of EV
What is the future of electric cars? A recent report from Bloomberg New Energy Finance says 58 percent of international sales from passenger vehicles will come from EVs. Yet, electric cars will comprise less than 33 percent of the total number of cars on the highway. In short, EVs will still remain the “car of the future.” The EV revolution continues to advance. Fortunately for industry stakeholders, electric automakers have bigger plans. For instance, Tesla delivered its first Cyber Truck model in Shanghai, China. On the other hand, Lamborghini just announced its first-ever hybrid supercar. These are only some of the positive EV-related developments.

Environmental Impacts of Electric Vehicles
Here’s encouraging news about electric vehicles. EVs help save the climate and human lives. At present, transportation represents the biggest source of environment pollution in the United States and many parts of the world. To address this problem, vehicles on the roads should be as clean as possible. Likewise, vehicle emissions harm not only the planet but people’s health as well. Air pollutants that come from gasoline can cause health problems like asthma, cancers and respiratory ailments. On the other hand, EVs have zero exhaust discharges. Besides, car manufacturers are leaning towards eco-friendly materials and production for their vehicles.

How do Electric Vehicles Improve Air Pollution?
New studies disclosed evidence that switching to electric vehicles matters a lot to the global environment. This means improvement in overall air quality and reduced carbon emissions. EVs compared to those powered by diesel or gasoline generate less life cycle releases than traditional vehicles. The reason being most emissions are lower as against gasoline and diesel. Owners of electric cars can further lessen their emissions through electricity derived from renewable sources that don’t pollute air such as wind and solar.

Reducing Carbon Emissions with Electric Vehicles
What else is the impact of EVs on the environment? An electric vehicle has a smaller carbon footprint (total amount of greenhouse gasses emissions) compared to gasoline-powered vehicles. Electricity charging and fueling electric, battery, and hybrid vehicles come from power grids. These grids depend on sources such as clean renewable energy. EVs become more efficient in conversion of energy that power automobiles and trucks. Moreover, electricity is cleaner and more economical as fuel even if it comes from the most unclean grid.

Electric Vehicle Charging Market
Thus far, EVs have gradually gained market momentum. At the same time, more consumers have become drawn to electric cars. In 2017 alone, alternative fuel vehicles specifically EVs accounted for more than 4 percent of new registrations. Meanwhile, these new vehicles have gained impetus in the transportation sector because of increased demand for lightweight and fuel-efficient cars.

Cheaper Maintenance
Electric vehicles contain fewer moving components or parts than gasoline and diesel cars. Little servicing is required without high-priced exhaust systems. Likewise, EV users don’t need to purchase fuel injection systems and starter motors. The only moving part required is the rotor with minimal maintenance for tires, breaks and suspension. Majority of car manufacturers set eight-year warranties for electric vehicle batteries.

Driving Electric Cars
Last but not least motorists will discover three distinct advantages in driving electric vehicles. First, instant torque or rotation from an electric motor allows higher and responsive acceleration. Second, the regenerative braking system while reducing acceleration gives energy back to the battery and adds to efficiency. Third, the weight and low center of gravity leads to safer driving and comfort.

Choosing an EV
Despite the skepticism about electric vehicles, more people are considering switching to these prototypes. Aside from the positive environmental impact, other reasons include affordability and inexpensive maintenance. Given these factors, one can expect the industry’s surge under the “New Normal”.

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One thought on “Electric vehicles and their impact on the environment

  1. Electric cars are a great way to lower your carbon footprint over conventional cars. Decarbonisation is a very important issue today, and even more so in a sector as fundamental as transport, as long as the solutions are more ecological, better for the environment, for biodiversity and for ourselves – Gustavo Copelmayer.

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