Electric Vehicles and The Environment
Air quality and emissions
Electric cars are frequently criticized for not having “zero emissions.” This is accurate; they actually produce no tailpipe emissions. However, there are two crucial factors to take into account.
- Driving an electric vehicle has much lower emissions per km than driving a gasoline or diesel vehicle. Even taking into account the power plant’s emissions, this is still the case.
- EVs reduce air pollution by removing emissions and protecting bikers and pedestrians from inhaling hazardous chemicals.
CO2
Our air quality will improve when tailpipe emissions are eliminated. The CO2 emissions from EVs are lower than those from the cleanest petrol engines, even when emissions from Irish energy generation are taken into account.
NOx and SOx
Sulfur oxides and nitrogen oxides are two of the dangerous gases produced when fossil fuels are burned. The NOx and SOx in our environment are a result of ICE vehicles on our roadways. You may lessen the amount of these dangerous gases released into the atmosphere by driving an electric vehicle.
Particulates
ICEs, particularly diesel automobiles, release particulates. The human respiratory system is adversely affected by these tiny soot-like particles. These particles are not released into the air on our streets by electric automobiles.
Noise Toxicity
Noise is one type of environmental contamination. Reduced noise levels are possible thanks to an electric car’s relative quietness. Our surroundings would be significantly more serene if engine noise were eliminated. However, EVs do generate a sound when moving at low speed for safety concerns, in case you were concerned that they were too silent.
Less replacement of parts, oil, and dirt
Additional environmental advantages include the absence of engine oil and the reduced wear on EV brakes and tires. Less dust and dirt implies less tire and brake wear. Furthermore, we won’t need to replace or recycle them as frequently as before.
Our electricity system and renewable energy
An EV’s batteries may hold a part of the answer to switching to renewable energy sources. We can adapt our energy consumption to the availability of renewable energy sources by fusing communications with already-existing smart energy systems. The energy will then be stored in the car’s battery until we’re ready to use it.
Using cleaner energy at night when charging
During the night, when energy use is often lower overall, wind generation typically makes up a larger portion of the energy mix. Electric vehicles can encourage increased use of renewable energy by charging at night. This functions as a buffer to keep our electricity system stable.
