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Are electric cars more carbon-efficient?
Electric cars don’t use fossil fuels, but do they have any other emissions, and are they more carbon-efficient? If so, why?
Jason Crosby · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Electric cars are definitely more carbon-efficient than other vehicles because they produce zero carbon emissions. Unlike gas-powered or hybrid vehicles, electric cars run purely on electricity, meaning that they don’t have, or need, a tailpipe or a combustion engine.
Electric cars are also emission-free, thanks to:
Electric motors, which also require far less energy to propel a vehicle forward thanks to their single-speed transmissions that apply power directly from the engine to the wheels.
Regenerative braking, a system that uses the momentum gained from stopping a car to recharge the battery, immediately shifting the engine forward from a complete stop. This is why electric cars have ridiculously quick 0-60 times.
The downside? Producing the massive batteries that power these vehicles releases a lot of CO2 into the atmosphere, up to 30-40% more than traditional cars. The reason is that, although they require fewer mechanical parts, the electrical components require precious metals and polymer plastics to be highly processed and refined in large production plants.
In an odd, roundabout way, electric cars are greener to drive, but far less environmentally friendly to produce. The more intricate production process, which takes more time and relies on new technology, means that EVs are also more expensive than traditional cars. But with the U.S. planning on banning the production of gas-powered vehicles starting in 2035, automakers are hustling to cut back on both production emissions and high price tags for electric cars.
Jerry can help you cut back on your car insurance premiums, too, with a comprehensive app that scans the nation’s top coverage providers to give you the best deals, period. See why drivers across the country are taking the hassle out of insurance shopping with Jerry.
MORE: Study Suggests Electric Cars Do Produce Lower Greenhouse Emissions Over Lifespan
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- Gregory R.
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