Electric Cars: Their Ways of Impacting Our Environment

The original automobile, invented in the late 19th century, used steam power to move a carriage from point A, to point B, without the need for a horse. Steam power was quickly replaced by gasoline when it became clear that the combustible engine was far superior to the steam engine. Thus came the rise of gasoline cars, and with it, the evolution of one of the largest industries in the history of the world.

In the modern world however, many feel that the combustible engine has been outclassed by the electric one. Given the negative impact gas-powered cars have had on the environment around the globe, many eco-friendly individuals have asked themselves, “why not electric?” Opponents of the electric car however, argue that the electric vehicle isn't any safer for the environment, and far more expensive.

Despite this, it has also left a huge environmental footprint on America's surrounding ecosystems. As the demand for motor vehicles increased, so did the need for transportation infrastructure. Once untouched, pristine parcels of land became the blueprint for highways and roads to help the daily driver in his commute. Man, in his progress, neglected to think about the ecosystems these roadways would affect, and how the destruction of some would lead to the destruction of others, creating an environmental domino effect.

Further, the mass production of cars and their use, has had an overwhelming impact on air quality across the globe. To be specific, 4.2 metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO₂) are produced each year by one gas-powered vehicle. Considering the number of cars on the road across the globe, that is a number that needs to change.

Lastly, gas-powered vehicles have a lasting negative impact on ecosystems because of the waste associated with junked vehicles. Besides the ever increasing number of junk vehicles found in junkyards and abandoned roadways, there is the waste associated with the interminable breakdown of various parts. The plastics associated with just one vehicle are unconscionable. Further, the oil and other fluids that seep into the underground wells and water resources can harm marine life and pollute drinking water. Lastly, the wasteful need for space to “store” these vehicles once they have been discarded, creates an emerging concern as it also impacts finite land for humans and wildlife alike.

Though the first electric car was invented in the late 1800s, actual consideration of these vehicles as an alternative to gas powered cars did not occur until sales around the 1970s in response to the 1973 Oil Crisis. Along with attempting to help with fuel economy and the oil crisis, electric cars were further developed in an attempt to halt or diminish the emissions of greenhouse gasses, bringing to light this increasing concern by environmental scientists. In short, gas powered vehicles, for all their convenience, have too damaging an impact on the environment not to switch to electric vehicles. Electric vehicles have a greater positive global impact for several reasons.

To begin with, they help reduce the total amount of CO₂ and other greenhouse gas emissions. As stated earlier, according to the EPA, a traditional car emits 4.2 metric tons of carbon dioxide each year, which means 350 grams per mile, and 8887 grams per gallon. Electric or hybrid vehicles, there are no greenhouse gas (tailpipe) emissions during electric mode. Consider this decrease in greenhouse gas emissions on a yearly basis; the change to the environment would have a serious impact if all cars were purely electric.

Not only do electric and hybrid vehicles reduce GHG emissions, but they can also help the fuel economy. Hybrid cars more often than not have better gas mileage than conventional vehicles. Consider, again, the Toyota Corolla hybrid model once more. The 2023 model has a ratio of 50 miles to the gallon, while the standard Corolla has around 35 miles. That 15 mile difference can affect not just the amount of gas used, but ultimately, the wallet of the average citizen, as they will need to buy less gas every year over the lifetime of their car.

Now some may say electric cars aren't a massively better option than conventional vehicles. This is particularly true due to the batteries developed for these vehicles.. Finding the necessary resources for the batteries such as lithium, manganese and graphite, can produce high levels of CO₂ and other GHG. Moreover, the locations of many of these elements and resources are in countries and regions with poor to nonexistent environmental protocols. Lastly, little research is known on the disposal associated with these batteries once they have been drained. However, even with these concerns and questions, batteries do have the option of being recycled and reused. These old batteries can be integrated into new electric vehicles which would reduce the need to mine and refine materials. Not only is that possible, but used batteries can also be recycled into non-vehicle applications such as storage for home solar panels.

Overall, standard vehicles are a crucial option to make that would help lessen personal environmental impacts. Just with their small use of gasoline and no GHG emissions, these vehicles are able to make the change that's needed for this planet. Human's make a huge impact on the environment, let's help slow that impact and improve our driving choices.¹

References

1. Transforming Trash: The Environmental Impact of Junkyards. Junkyardlist (19AD). Available at: https://www.junkyardslist.com/junkyard-basics/environmental-impact/ .
2. C. Threewitt, Pros and Cons of Electric Cars. US News and World Report (2024).
3. EERE: Alternative Fuels Data Center Home Page. Available at: https://afdc.energy.gov/ .
4. E. Sirull, Electric Car vs. Gas Car Environmental Impact. EnergySage (2023). Available at: https://www.energysage.com/ .
5. Greenhouse Gas Emissions from a Typical Passenger Vehicle. EPA (2024). Available at: https://www.epa.gov/greenvehicles/greenhouse-gas-emissions-typical-passenger-vehicle .
6. M. V. Melosi, The Automobile and the Environment in American History. Automobile in American Life and Society (2004).