The Roadmap To A Greener World with EVs

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, transportation accounts for almost a third of US greenhouse gas (GHG), emissions (second only to electricity). Research shows that motor vehicles are responsible for 25-50 percent of toxic air emissions.

It is becoming increasingly obvious that vehicle emissions can have a significant impact on human and environmental health. The electric car, or rather its PR department. The electric car (EV), although it has been around since the 1800s, has seen a significant increase in production and support over the past decade.

We explore the role of EVs in promoting a cleaner world and discuss current initiatives to improve vehicle efficiency.

EVs reduce emissions

The environmental and government agencies that are pushing for technology to reduce carbon dioxide and other harmful chemical emissions from cars could be a better representation than EV manufacturers.

GHG emissions have increased steadily over the past twenty-five year due to increased travel, urban sprawl and population growth, low gas prices (in the 1990s), and limited improvements in fuel efficiency research, production, and research.

The Environmental Protection Agency published clear "endangerment findings" in 2009. They stated that current and projected levels of six GHG from motor vehicles and engines combined could reasonably be expected to pose a threat to the public's health and welfare, and to the future of the world.

Any Way You Run It

There are many types of electric cars, most notably those that use a rechargeable lithium battery. They are more efficient in converting stored energy into driving power and don't use energy while they idle, which is the main source of wasted heat and energy in traditional vehicles. Regenerative braking converts the car's kinetic energy to electricity, which charges the battery.

pure electricals are cars that run entirely on battery power. They have no tailpipe. This is a very obvious fact that can be easily seen and praised for its environmental impact. They are more environmentally friendly than conventional gas-powered vehicles because they emit no pollutants when they drive. Pure EVs are powered only by an electric motor. This can cause some driver concerns, especially since public-use charging stations are yet to be widely distributed across the country.

HEVs (Hybrid Electric Vehicles) are designed to reduce fuel consumption. They use an internal combustion engine (ICE), which charges the car's electric propulsion unit, the battery. To regain charge, they don't have to be "plugged in". These HEVs can be powered by gasoline but they are still more efficient and less wasteful than traditional vehicles. The kinetic energy generated by ICE is reclaimed and used to power HEVs. An HEV's ICE is usually smaller and shuts down while the vehicle is idling. This reduces waste heat.

Plug-in Hybrids are an alternative to going electric, but they can be a bit nervous about running out of fuel while driving. The PHEVs come with an electric motor as well as a supplementary internal combustion engine. This increases driving range and extends the range. PHEVs can run on gas or electricity, eliminating the concern about range with pure EVs. PHEVs also have a stronger electrical system than HEVs so they can travel longer on electricity.

Although PHEVs can reduce GHG emissions by a significant amount, they could also have a significant impact on the environment. Some advocates feel PHEVs are the ideal technology to help transition our infrastructure dependence on electricity, as PHEV-technology-adoption wouldn't necessitate the broader changes and construction (for example, charging stations) that all-electric transportation systems would require.

Beyond Emissions

When talking about the environmental impacts of electronic vehicles, it's important to think about what's at the other ends of the wire. Because the electricity we produce can be very clean or very polluting, it is the leading cause of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. A car powered by electricity from solar or wind power is very environmentally friendly. However, a car powered by electricity generated from coal could have a more harmful impact on its environment.

While concerns over the source and production of EVs are important in assessing their impact on emissions, further research is being done to support their environmental benefits. Even though EVs have lower fuel consumption and fuel costs than similar ICE cars, they still offer better fuel economy. Conventional gasoline-powered ICE consumes as little as 15% of fuel energy to drive the vehicle. EVs have an average efficiency of 80 percent. A lot of the heat generated by EVs can be used for heating the vehicle.

A study published by Scientific Reports in March 2015 found that EVs have two additional wellness benefits. Unlike ICE cars, EVs don't emit heat and therefore don't increase summer temperatures. This can help reduce the heat island effect, the heat-related issues in urban areas caused by human activities such as driving. It can also reduce energy consumption by air conditioners, further reducing the energy consumption.

Government Actions

The U.S. Vehicle Technologies Office plays a key role in the promotion of EVs for environmental improvements. VTO is actively pursuing adoption and research in highway transportation technologies for improved vehicle fuel economy and lower emissions. This will support the development of vehicles that emit less harmful emissions and are more efficient.

The Clean Air Act was passed in 1970. This marked a significant shift in the federal government's approach to air pollution control. One of the major components was the recognition that cleaner fuels are necessary to reduce emissions. Today's cars are cleaner than vehicles purchased in 1970 by more than 90%.

The 2009 EPA Endangerment Findings, which were alarming, supported federal research on low-GHG fuels and fuel efficiency.

The University of Minnesota confirmed that EVs powered by ethanol and coal have a negative impact on the environment in a 2014 study. However, the study confirmed previous findings that bad air quality on individuals' health was equally or more important than GHG impact on the environment.

The Clean Cities program of VTO aims to decrease the US' dependence on oil for transportation. This will improve the country's economy and environmental security by 2.5 million gallons per year by 2025. More than a dozen alternative energy are currently in production or in development.

What You Can Do

This is not all about altruism. The VTO offers incentives to consumers to be more efficient and green. The VTO offers tax credits to consumers who are considering plugging in their plug for new-qualified plug-in electric cars. Finally, widespread adoption of electric cars would reduce our fuel consumption by half, which could translate into huge savings at the pump.

You can make transportation improvements that will improve your personal and environmental well-being by driving an EV, HEV, or PHEV. Small changes in behavior can help reduce the environmental factors, such as idling and braking, acceleration, and acceleration. Reduce your pedal pressure and don't idle for more than 30 seconds. Regular maintenance and reducing the weight of your car (excessive weight) will increase fuel economy and decrease emissions.

Take a deep breath and look out at the road this Earth Day. As you cough up the smog, remember that there are improvements to the environment and air quality that are happening all around the country. They're on the government's agenda and at your local dealership.