Are Electric Cars Truly Better for the Environment?
Looking at the whole life cycle of EVs, the verdict is clear.In This Article
1. Life-Cycle Analysis
2. Raw Materials and Manufacturing
3. Driving
4. Fueling
5. End of Life
Are electric vehicles truly better than gas cars for the environment? Not in all facets or in all regions of the world, but overall, unquestionably, yes—and as time goes on, only more so.
While much clickbait has been written questioning the environmental superiority of EVs, the cumulative science confirms that in almost every part of the world, driving an EV produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants than a gas-powered car. The internal combustion engine is a mature technology that has seen only incremental changes for the past half-century. By contrast, electric vehicles are still an emerging technology witnessing continual improvements in efficiency and sustainability, while dramatic changes in how the world produces electricity will only make electric vehicles cleaner.
"We still have a long way to go, and we don't have the luxury of waiting," said David Reichmuth of the Union of Concern Scientists in a recent interview with Treehugger.1
The transportation sector generates 24% around the world and 29% of total greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions in the United States—the largest single contributor in the U.S.2 According to the EPA, the typical passenger vehicle emits about 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year at an average of 404 grams per mile.3 Beyond carbon emissions, road traffic from gas-powered vehicles generates fine particulate matter, volatile organic compounds, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur oxides, the adverse health effects of which—from asthma and heart disease to cancer and pregnancy disorders—have been well demonstrated and disproportionately impact low-income communities and communities of color.4 EVs can't solve all those problems, but they can make our world a more livable place.
Much more: https://www.treehugger.com/are-electric-cars-truly-better-for-the-environment-5188672
Fastened charging stations use solar-fueled batteries to charge EVs. Dafinchi/Getty Images
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I always thought my next car would be an EV, but they're still awfully expensive. However, as this article points out, their time has definitely come! And there are a couple of charging stations not far from me, not something I'd necessarily expect here in mostly rural upstate New York. I learned a lot from this article, too, so I wanted to share it. 
I remember reading a few years back that the price was expected to go down within four years, but it didn't happen. Plus, I have a reliable GM dealership that I've dealt with since 2003 who are always there for inspections, oil changes, repairs, any services I need and they have yet to offer any EV cars that would fit the bill - and I need guidance. I don't know if they'll become more prevalent in my neck-of-the-woods, but until then I've stuck to what I know. *sigh*
That matters. I don't happen to do GM cars, and trust me, I'm not denigrating them, just saying my personal preferred cars are different. Sort of like if your favorite color is blue and mine is green.
I have my own favorite and preferred car company. And I honestly think sticking with the dealership, whatever you prefer, is a good choice. I know that over time electric cars will become more common. If I live long enough, that may well be my next car. But at 72, having purchased my most recent car only two years ago, I might not buy another car. I do keep on thinking of assisted living, and if that happens I will definitely give up my car. No matter what, I will at some point stop driving.
Were I forty-five or so, I'd have a very different mind set. I'd be thinking very seriously about an EV. I'd probably be thinking about a hybrid for my next car.
How old any of us is does make a difference. 
It broke my heart to have to replace it a couple of years ago and, of course, I couldn't get another Pontiac. My mother also swore by Pontiacs. But I decided to get my next car there and I've been happy with my Chevy Malibu, it hasn't let me down yet. *knock on wood* They mainly deal with Buicks and Cadillacs now, but the car I got is the Chevy equivalent of my Pontiac Grand Am, same size, so that's worked for me. And I always deal with the same woman in service, told me to always ask for her though I think she mainly deals with Cadillacs now. They've gone above and beyond for me, and they know I like to keep my cars, so there's that.
