If there’s one thing you should know about Electric vehicles (EVs), it is that they are highly environmentally friendly. In fact, it is the very reason why they were made in the first place.
It was the year 2000, when the first mass-produced HEV or hybrid electric vehicle, the Toyota Prius was released, and turned out to be an instant sensation. (The earliest attempts of inventing an electric motor car, however, can be traced back to the early 19th century).
Anyway, it was this very event that triggered the revival of EVs. In a way, paved the way for bigger and better brands to come out with their own fleet of electric vehicles.
Fast forward to today, advancements in modern technology have allowed further improvements in the way EVs help preserve the environment. On top of that, governments’ initiatives for a greener earth and the push for net zero carbon emissions have further boosted the research and manufacturing of eco-friendly vehicles.
This is why environmental concerns still stand as the leading cause for the adoption of electric vehicles for all kinds of transport.
In order to understand how EVs actually help save the environment, let’s first understand how they work though.
How do EVs work?
Contrary to petrol/ diesel run cars; fully electric or battery electric vehicles (BEVs) do not have any engine. As such they do not need any fuel to burn either.
Instead of an internal combustion engine (ICE), electric vehicles are powered by electric motors that use rechargeable lithium-ion batteries to generate power and run.
Hybrid models such as HEVs and plug-in HEVs on the other hand have an internal combustion engine as well. Plus, an electric motor generates the power and range of conventional vehicles while keeping the tailpipe emissions to a bare minimum.
When needed, these EVs can be plugged-in into an external power source for charging, just like a laptop or smartphone.
And since there is no fuel consumption, there is no particulate matter and carbon emission either.
But the list of environmental benefits of EVs is far from over. And it all starts with the very manufacturing. That’s right!
EVs are made using recycled materials
Well, not entirely but many of the smaller parts are.
And as more and more car makers turn to improved eco-friendly materials, they’ll be able to build lighter and far more efficient electric vehicles without causing a lot of waste and chemicals.
Less waste during the production of electric vehicles can help big time in keeping various ecosystems habitable and the waters clean.
The benefits of using natural and recycled materials is not limited to production solely.
It also minimizes the risks of environmental impact during the on-road operation and running of electric vehicles.
Ongoing development in the recycling procedures of EV batteries will further enhance their nature-friendly capabilities.
It is also important to note that responsible management and disposal of used batteries are quite crucial in limiting the overall impact of electric vehicles on the environment. This is why car companies and governments across the world are investing heavily in the safe production and recycling of EV components.
Tesla, in this regard, is way ahead of other car manufacturers. The former is all set to manufacture its line of EV batteries using 100% renewable energy.
Zero tailpipe emissions and lack of carbon footprint
One of the major benefits of electric vehicles is the lack of tailpipe emissions.
Contrary to traditional combustion engines, EVs do not burn any fuel to run. As such they do not emit any greenhouse gases and harmful agents like carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide, or particulate matter into the atmosphere.
The elimination of tailpipe emissions which accounts for about 16% of global carbon emissions can also help fight the impact of climate change significantly. All the while improving the overall quality of breathable air.
Less harmful pollutants in the air mean fewer respiratory diseases and health issues that are usually caused by poor air quality.
Better air quality is also important for the healthy production of crops and fruits that we ultimately consume.
Can be charged with renewable energy sources
The full impact of electric vehicles cannot be realized unless the electricity required to charge them comes from renewable sources like solar power or wind.
Sadly, many countries do not even have a fully-fledged system of publicly accessible charging points; let alone charging stations that completely run on renewable sources. Which is the major hurdle for car buyers to purchase an electric vehicle.
The trend is changing rapidly though. With the number of fast charger installations growing to 48% in 2021 globally. While China is in the leading spot with 85% and 55% of fast and slow chargers respectively.
The point is to have more solar or wind-powered charging stations. So that EVs can be made less dependent on fossil fuels and more on clean and sustainable energy thus further reducing the impact on nature.
Are highly efficient when it comes to fuel & energy
Another environmental benefit of electric vehicles is the lack of loss of heat and energy as compared to their ICE counterparts.
Even if you do consider the large amount of energy needed for their production, electric cars still come out as a far greener option when both its energy requirements as well as carbon emissions are taken into account as a whole.
Quite specifically, while an electric car can convert about 60% of the electrical energy to power the wheels; petrol or diesel-run cars can only convert 17%-21% of the energy stored in the fuel to the wheels, wasting a massive 80% of energy as heat loss.
Since electric motors use power far more efficiently, they can provide a higher percentage of electric energy for motion than traditional vehicles which loses a large amount of energy as heat in the process.
This high fuel efficiency of electric vehicles not only reduces the need for fossil fuel consumption but also the need for cooling when overheating occurs as is the case with petrol or diesel-run cars.
At best- do not cause any noise pollution either
Since there is no engine under the hood in BEVs, or extreme load on engines that are in HEVs, they do not produce a lot of noise either.
The lack of an engine’s role in electric vehicles not only helps reduce air pollution but also noise pollution. So much so that car manufacturers have to literally install fake sounds in EVs to make them safe and secure for drivers and pedestrians.
Who does not want a safe and quieter ride?
The silent operation of electric vehicles can further help create a more peaceful and pleasant journey between life and work.
Electric vehicles- A sustainable solution!
Apart from these key environmental benefits, electric vehicles also offer a viable solution to all the problems and risks of modern transportation systems.
For instance, ride-sharing, gas filling, road traffic, servicing, maintenance, and so on.
What’s more, is that when combined with advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and autonomous driving, EVs can help establish a more convenient and eco-friendly transportation network.
Better energy density in EV batteries can further enhance the performance and life span of electric vehicles which eventually helps in cost cutting.
The longer lifespan of EV batteries will also reduce the need to have them recycled and repurposed over and over again. Thus, saving money and overall impact on the environment.
The Future of Futuristic EVs
While it is unclear as to whether the future of all kinds of vehicles is entirely electric, what’s clear given the current state of affairs is that electric vehicles are here to stay this time.
Apparently, new and improved models will keep on coming with far more promising benefits than at present.
Besides, governments across the world are launching more ambitious policies and projects than ever before so as to improve EV technology. Which will only help accelerate the transition of all kinds of vehicles from conventional to electric.
Even major car corporations have shown immense interest in reaching their full potential. Companies such as Ford, Volkswagen, GM, and Honda have already made adjustments and partnerships to be able to leverage each other’s tech and edge on electric vehicles.
Conclusion
Albeit in the early stages, the rise of electric vehicles is progressing fast.
Increased measures put forth by governments to curb carbon emissions have triggered a continuous boost in the sales and adoption of electric vehicles.
Low running and maintenance costs on the other hand have instigated a widespread interest in EVs in the minds of frequent car owners.
With their far-reaching environmental benefits, electric vehicles have become the number 1 choice for potential buyers. At least in the developed regions like China, Europe, and the United States.
Keeping the net zero scenario in mind, we are sure that more and more electric vehicles would end up running on roads by 2030. And by 2050, everywhere, be it land, water, or air.
Ravi Ranjan