Over the years, air pollution caused by transportation has made headlines, and it has actions taken and made to improve air quality and put a stop to climate change.
Developments have made the emissions limit caused by internal combustion engine vehicles, such as the production of all-electric vehicles (EVs), for an emission-free future. As such, regulations are being implemented, like California mandating new cars sold by 2035 to be all-electric vehicles.
“Emissions have risen sharply over the past three decades in the transport sector, making up about 20 percent of total emissions, with light vehicles accounting for about half of that. Our choices play a key role in reducing these emissions as motorists.”
National Roads and Motorists Association
All that said, governments worldwide have set common and individual goals to reduce their carbon emissions by 2030.
EVs’ environmental benefits
Electric cars can limit any more ecological and environmental damage, reduce smog, and improve public health. Without an exhaust pipe, EVs do not emit CO2 or any vicious substances that pollute the atmosphere. They do not release carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, or particulate matter, which can contribute to air pollution and climate change. However, it’s important to note that EVs still have an environmental impact, particularly during manufacturing and the generation of the electricity used to power them.
Electric vehicles are better for the environment if the sources took to power these cars generate from renewable energy sources or low CO2 sources. However, if EV electricity generates through high CO2 sources like coal-fired power stations, it may need to contribute better to solving the climate crisis.
See Also:
- What are the goals for EVs in 2030?
- The automobile industry opposes strict European emissions regulations
- Uber encourages drivers to purchase EVs to reach zero-emission goals
- IEA: Renewable energy sources to keep global CO2 emissions from increasing over 1% this year
- Norway to cut pollution with the world’s first zero-emissions public transport network
Overall, while EVs are not without environmental impact, they are generally considered better for the environment than traditional gasoline-powered cars, mainly when powered by renewable energy.
