Eco-friendly Features of Electric Vehicles

Electric cars are going to be the next big thing. They are becoming more endearing to the new-generation consumers because carbon emissions and pollution levels are rising at an alarming rate. Because of these reasons, the global electric vehicles market is going to flourish in upcoming years.

Many researches are being conducted to prove whether electric cars are less harmful than the traditional cars. It has been proved many times that electric vehicles emit less greenhouse gases and air impurities than a car operated by diesel or petrol.

With the rising popularity, many questions are also being asked regarding how clean and green these electric vehicles are. Let’s have a look at various aspects of electric vehicles from manufacturing procedures to electricity production processes.

1. Electric cars are more eco-friendly

Electric cars can definitely improve the air quality in the cities, which is one of the major benefits of these cars. As there is no tailpipe in such cars, they can’t produce carbon dioxide emission while on the run. This decreases the level of air pollution in a significant way. Electric cars are making streets cleaner with their no-emission feature.

2. Is the production process of EV eco-friendly?

A lot of energy is used to build an electric car. The emissions created during the manufacturing of an electric car are likely to be higher than that of a conventional car. This is because of the manufacturing of lithium ion batteries which are an essential part of an electric car. As the manufacturing techniques are advancing, the amount of emissions created during the production of batteries will lessen over time.

3.  Is electricity production process ‘green’?

Another question is, how green is the electricity production process that is required to power an electric car?

A research by the European Energy Agency offers the reply to this question. With electricity production, the carbon emanations of an electric car are approximately 17-30%, which is lower than a traditional diesel or petrol car. The emanations from electricity production are affectedly improved by using low carbon energy.

4. Are hybrid cars really environment-friendly?

Plug-in hybrids cartel a traditional fuel engine with an electric motor and produce some emissions while driving.

The green identification of a hybrid car relies on two factors -- electric miles covered during the drive and the way the vehicle is charged.

Ways to maximize the benefits of electric vehicle

An electric vehicle produces lesser carbon emissions than a petrol-powered car. One can maximize its environment-friendly benefits, by powering the car with a renewable energy source that can be easily generated at home such as wind, solar, or geothermal energy.

While buying an electric vehicle, proprietors must consider combining it with a solar panel system on their roof to charge their car. The cost for a home with a 5 kW installation comes around $10,465 for a solar panel system.

However, there is another option if the owner finds it difficult to generate the renewable energy. The option is to subscribe to a community solar share. Changing the electricity supplier to a “green power” option that uses renewable energy sources can be another option. The use of community solar is swiftly increasing across the USA.

Impact of Covid-19 on the Market

The coronavirus pandemic affected the businesses all over the world leading to economic slowdown. The global market of electric vehicle has also experienced a drastic downfall. In addition, shift in the consumer preferences towards the purchase of affordable vehicles to decline in demand for electric vehicles. Lockdown and restriction imposed across various nations have resulted in the slowdown of electric vehicle production.

Most of the leading companies of the market have come forward to help the society during this catastrophic situation. For instance, on April 7, 2020, Toyota Motor Corporation & Toyota Group, come forward to help the frontline workers from medical sector. To address the shortage of medical face shields, Toyota, the largest automotive manufacturer is working on the production of 3D-printed medical face shields and injection mold. In addition, Toyota’s Japan-based Teiho Plant is working to produce injection mold medical face shields in volume of 500 to 600 per week.

About the Author(s)

Princy A. J

Princy holds a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the prestigious Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. University at Chennai, India. After a successful academic record, she pursued her passion for writing. A thorough professional and enthusiastic writer, she enjoys writing on various categories and advancements in the global industries. She plays an instrumental role in writing about current updates, news, blogs, and trends.