Are electric cars really better for the environment?

It seems like electric cars, plug-in hybrids, and hybrid cars are becoming increasingly popular options for drivers from all walks of life these days. These vehicles are packed with the latest and greatest technology, are stylishly futuristic, and despite their lack of internal combustion engine, are still as performance-driven as it gets. Not to mention, they cut down on emissions and are a green option for drivers who want to make a difference. But are electric cars really better for the environment?

The answer isn’t a clear-cut yes or no, unfortunately, and takes a little bit of a deep dive to answer. Here’s what the experts at Toyota of Orlando have to say about the environmental benefits of electric cars.

Are electric cars really better for the environment? Mostly yes.

Local emissions

When you’re talking about local emissions – aka the emissions that cars put out into the air as you’re driving – then yes, electric cars are really better for the environment.

• If you recall, true electric cars run on electricity alone and unlike an internal combustion engine, don’t put out emissions.
• Even plug-in hybrids and hybrids put out fewer emissions than internal combustion engines. For local air pollution, this is a big win.

Non-local emissions

However, when you scale back and look at the larger picture, electric cars do technically produce some emissions. They run on electricity, but that electricity has to come from somewhere.

• Where you live depends on how eco-friendly your electric car is.
  • If your electricity is powered by fossil fuels like coal or natural gas, then you’re still contributing to CO2 emissions that are bad for the planet.
  • If your electricity is powered by renewable energy like solar, hydroelectric, or wind, then your vehicle is a lot cleaner.
• Certain parts of the US – in particular, the Midwest – use a lot of fossil fuels to generate electricity, so driving electric cars in this region isn’t necessarily as eco-friendly as you think.

And don’t forget that hybrids and plug-in hybrids still have internal combustion abilities, meaning they can still put out emissions.

Batteries 

Another concern about the environmental benefits of electric cars stems from the batteries found in them. Electric cars like the Orlando Toyota bz4X use lithium-ion batteries, similar to the ones found in your phone and laptop.

• First is the issue of battery production. It takes a lot of electricity to generate one of these batteries, which means more emissions are produced in the process. And again, the type of resources used to generate said electricity deeply affects how green the vehicle is overall.
• Next is the issue of recyclability. Lithium-ion batteries need to be disposed of carefully because of the materials they contain – they can’t just be tossed into a landfill. Over time, this can lead to a costly environmental problem. Researchers are working to figure out how to both reuse and recycle these batteries into other roles so they can still serve a purpose when their lifespan ends.

Overall, are electric cars really better for the environment? When all is said and done, mostly yes. And as renewable energy sources become more utilized and there are better ways to reuse and recycle the batteries, they’ll become even better for the environment.

Explore the environmental benefits of electric cars in person at Toyota of Orlando

Have questions or want to check out an electric car in person? Come to Toyota of Orlando today. We’re open seven days a week at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall. You can call to schedule a test drive at (407) 298-4500!

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