By Karen Dougherty
To solve climate change, it’s clear we need large-scale solutions. Still, there are lots of things we can do as individuals. Transportation creates 28% of all heat-trapping emissions, and for most of us, our biggest contribution to that is driving our cars.
The simple solution would be for us to drive less by walking, biking, or using public transportation. But let’s be real – many of us live in suburban or rural areas where driving a personal automobile is the only option. So while it would be nice to drive less, that’s just not practical. But what we can do is change what we drive. In fact, one of the most impactful swaps we can employ to lower our own emissions is our choice of car.
Smaller and more fuel-efficient cars are helpful, but would driving an electric vehicle be even better? There are a lot of myths about EVs and, as a result, there is confusion about whether they can help solve climate change. Let’s try to clear some of the fog.
Some pros of EVs
Lower carbon emissions
One of the most common myths about electric vehicles is that they have a bigger carbon footprint than comparable cars with internal combustion engines (ICEs). Mostly because of the batteries, EVs create more “up front” emissions (during manufacturing), but they make up that difference within a year or two by their lack of tailpipe emissions. In contrast, ICEs produce significantly more emissions over their lifetime.
Less demand for fossil fuels
As we have been reminded by recent wars and conflicts, the global oil market is volatile. Despite being the largest producer of oil, the U.S. still imports much of what we need, and pricing is unpredictable. EVs reduce the demand for fossil fuels, which moves us closer to energy independence.
The source of the electricity used to power your EV will depend on where you live. For many people it’s clean energy, for some it’s natural gas, and for a declining percentage it’s coal. Even if the energy comes from coal, EVs are still cleaner and use less overall energy than gas-powered vehicles. As renewable energy becomes a higher percentage of our power grid, this trend will continue to accelerate.
Less expensive to own
Just like with gas-powered vehicles, EV models and prices are all over the board, but lower-cost options are on the rise. Even if the sticker price is higher, they save their owners money vs. comparable ICE cars in the long run because they cost less to operate and maintain. Charging costs vary, but it is always much lower per mile than gasoline.
Tax incentives
You may qualify for a tax credit for purchasing or leasing an EV and upgrading your home electrical (if necessary). Your power company may also offer a credit to install an electric charger (ours did). There are some income limitations on tax credits when you are buying an EV, but those do not apply to leasing. This could present a good option for people who are unsure about taking the leap.
Lower maintenance costs
No more oil changes and fewer moving parts to break equals less money spent on maintenance and less time at the mechanic. I have owned an EV for nearly two years and my only maintenance expense has been a $6 bottle of windshield wiper fluid. Pretty nice.
Cleaner air
Less pollution from our roads not only means cleaner air and lower CO2 emissions, but also fewer respiratory illnesses. Anyone living in an urban area understands that reducing tailpipe emissions would improve everyone’s quality of life.
Less noise
Because there is no engine, the ride is quiet and surprisingly smooth.
Fun to drive
My 20-year-old son isn’t impressed by much, but he can’t get enough of driving the car. Watch out, the acceleration might take your breath away.
The benefits are growing
It is important to note that, unlike with ICEs, EV technology is rapidly improving and more efficient vehicles with longer range are in the works. So, the benefits of EVs will continuously grow due to:
- Advancements in lithium-ion battery recycling
- New and improved battery technologies
- Increased domestic lithium extraction using better techniques
Some cons of EVs
Mineral mining
EV batteries require metals, most notably, lithium. As the market for EVs continues to grow, so does the demand – and while domestic production is increasing, we still get much of our lithium from overseas. There are environmental concerns with mining of all kinds, including for oil and gas, and I hear this concern more than any other in regard to EVs. Recycling used batteries will be an important part of the solution and this technology is improving.
Higher up-front cost
The purchase price for an EV could be higher than a comparable ICE car. This is quickly changing but it’s a budget consideration for many buyers.
Range anxiety
Some EV models cannot go as far as you could on a tank of gas – and charging them definitely takes longer than filling up a tank. For day-to-day driving this isn’t an issue, but a long road trip takes a bit of planning. Most EVs will map a trip for you including charging stops.
Charging availability
People who own a home can typically charge conveniently and inexpensively. However, for renters, apartment-dwellers, and travelers, charging can present a problem. There is inconsistency in availability of charging stations across the country and maintenance can be erratic.
Weighing the pros and cons
All things considered, do EVs really help solve climate change? They are dirtier to build, but cleaner to drive, and because vehicles are driven for years, the answer is yes. Are EVs a perfect solution? No. Then again, every solution comes with tradeoffs. We can’t afford to hold out for perfect solutions.
Globally, EVs are already having an important impact on slowing emissions, with many experts predicting peak oil will happen in the next decade because of rapid adoption around the world – including in China, where more than half of all new cars are EVs.
EVs aren’t right for every person or for every family, but if you’re in the market for a car, at least check them out. Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) are another option worth considering. There is a growing number of new and used EV choices across price ranges, and you might be surprised by the fun factor.
In addition to volunteering for C-Change, Karen blogs about climate change at unheating.com.
