Climate change is a huge concern. To reduce global warming, reduced use of fossil fuels must happen. For net zero to happen by 2050, emissions need to be reduced by 45% by 2030.
California has set a target of 2045 for carbon neutrality. To reach this goal, the state plans to reduce fossil fuel usage by 86%. Transportation consumes about 28% of all energy.
By switching to electric vehicles, fossil fuel use will drop dramatically. As will greenhouse gas emissions. In this way, electric vehicles are helping to transform city life.
Why do electric vehicles suit city life?
Many cities suffer from poor air quality, and reducing the number of gas-powered vehicles will help to change this. But, EVs suit city life for a number of reasons.
One of the concerns with EVs previously was finding charging stations. Now with Tesla charging adapters and portable chargers, drivers are free to travel through any city. There are now around 130,000 charging stations in the country. Los Angeles for instance has 4,730 public charging stations. And 592 of them are free to use.
Electric vehicles suit city life for the following reasons:
Reduced noise pollution
Short travel and commutes
Charging infrastructure
Lower or no emissions
Regenerative braking
Noise pollution is often a problem in cities, but EVs make little if any noise. Driving in cities often involves stopping and starting, and traveling short distances. Regenerative braking is part of all EVs, and this is beneficial for city driving.
In the past, EVs had a shorter range. So, they were ideal for city life. However, electric cars are comparable to gas-powered versions now and can travel long distances on one charge.
An overview of the current EV market
Tesla is the big player in the EV sector although all the major motor brands are now joining the market. And each year, electric car sales increase.
In this quarter of this year, Tesla sold nearly as many cars as they did in the whole of 2020. Last year, 1,247,146 Teslas were shipped.
The industry as a whole is growing, and with legislation in some states pledging to end sales of gas-powered vehicles, EVs are clearly the future. Below, you will see just why electric vehicles are helping to transform the environment.
The impact of EV adoption on public health
If there was any doubt about the impact of gas-powered vehicles on the environment, the pandemic provided solid evidence. During lockdowns in 2020, air pollution was reduced. Concentrations of soot in the atmosphere across parts of Europe halved.
Reduced traffic resulted in reduced pollution. With fewer cars on the road, air quality improved. Therefore, switching to electric vehicles will improve public health.
Exposure to vehicle fumes results in irritation to the respiratory system. Fumes also cause headaches and nausea.
Reducing the number of traditional motor vehicles will result in fewer pollutants in the air. This won't just improve cities but rural areas too. Pollutants from urban areas are carried downwind to rural communities too.
How electric vehicles are helping to reduce emissions
4.6 metric tons of CO2 are emitted by the average car every year. But, electric vehicles have zero exhaust pipe emissions. Critics of EVs point to manufacturing emissions and those from plants producing electricity through the use of fossil fuels.
EV production causes more CO2 emissions than regular cars do. However, in the long term, things are very different. From production to end of life, EVs will produce 52% less emissions than regular cars.
Many power plants do use fossil fuels to generate electricity. Yet, about 20% of electricity is generated from green energy options. This figure continues to grow each year. Plus, solar-powered EV charging stations are being introduced also.
The benefits of EVs in improving air quality
Cleaner air is the goal for all involved in the Paris Agreement. The benefits to public health are numerous. And city dwellers may benefit the most from reduced air pollution. It has been shown that diesel fumes alter DNA and mess with people's health.
Benefits of reducing air pollution:
Reduced absenteeism
Less strain on healthcare
Fewer premature deaths
Improved air quality
Fewer allergies
Fewer cases of disease and illness
With cleaner air, there will be fewer hospitalizations and visits to clinics. Respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses will decrease. And there will be fewer people suffering from allergic reactions. Plus, industries will benefit from reduced absenteeism.
The rise of EVs in public transport
There is still some way to go before electric buses are seen across the country. But, many states are investing in electric public transport. Last year around 1,548 electric buses were operating in the US with more investment planned.
Ridesharing is an effective method of reducing cars in cities. Combining this idea on a larger scale with electric public transport will reduce emissions greatly.
China is leading the way with electric buses for public use. In 2017, China owned 99% of the world's electric buses. And the country continues to expand its public transport network. It is likely that in the future, public electric vehicles will be commonplace in the states also.
The potential financial benefits of moving from gas to electric
EVs cost more than traditional cars on average. But, as electric cars become more popular, this price is bound to drop. Higher sales equate to a lower price in most instances.
Yet, it isn't just the cost of buying an EV that should be investigated. Owning an electric vehicle will result in less expenditure than a traditional model. Statistics differ, but it is largely agreed that EVs cost around half the amount that gasoline vehicles do per mile. On average, EV drivers spend $60 less per month on fueling their cars.
Then there are the reduced maintenance costs to take into account. Fewer moving parts results in less need for maintenance and repairs. Overall, maintenance costs are halved for drivers of electric cars.
Increased numbers of charging stations
Cities have put in place solid charging infrastructures. The use of electric vehicles is transforming city life, and reducing the need for gas stations. And Tesla is making life easier by opening up its charging stations to drivers of other motor brands.
Every Tesla comes with an adapter that makes access to charging stations easier. And with the J1772 charger and portable charging stations, Ev drivers have no fear of running out of juice.
The role of Government and state policies in EV promotion
Seven states have already introduced plans to ban future sales of gasoline vehicles. California is setting strict goals for improving air quality. Now, other states are following suit.
No sales of new gas-powered cars will be allowed after 2035 in those seven states. Other parts of the US will likely follow. New Zealand and Norway already have similar legislation in place. And these and other policies will drive sales of electric vehicles.
There are currently over 100,000 premature deaths due to air pollution. The Paris Agreement and local state policies are trying to change this by targeting carbon neutrality.
Summary
City life could be transformed by electric vehicles that have zero tailpipe emissions. Instead of choking on diesel and gasoline fumes, city dwellers will have cleaner air.
Noise pollution will be reduced also if there are fewer traditional motor cars in cities. And electric buses would provide a safe and comfortable commute. Overall, electric vehicles have a valuable contribution to make to cities and the environment.
