Electric vs. Gasoline Cars: Uncovering the Real Climate Savior

by TTAC Staff

Published: February 23rd, 2024

Photo credit: Nick Starichenko / Shutterstock.com

Contrary to common misconceptions, electric vehicles (EVs) generally have a smaller carbon footprint compared to traditional gasoline cars. This advantage remains true even when considering the electricity utilized for charging EVs. One key distinction is that EVs produce no direct tailpipe emissions. However, the production of electricity for EV charging can result in carbon emissions, depending on the energy source.

The carbon pollution from electricity varies based on local energy production methods. For instance, electricity generated from coal or natural gas is associated with higher carbon emissions, while renewable sources like wind or solar energy contribute negligible carbon pollution. Despite the variance in electricity production methods, studies indicate that EVs are typically linked to lower greenhouse gas emissions than the average new gasoline vehicle.

The shift towards renewable energy sources further enhances the environmental benefits of EVs. As more renewable energy sources are integrated into the power grid, the overall greenhouse gas emissions associated with EVs can be further reduced. Notably, in 2020, renewable energy sources rose to become the second-most dominant source of electricity in the United States.

Tools to Measure Your EV's Environmental Impact

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Energy (DOE) offer valuable resources for assessing the environmental impact of EVs. The EPA's Power Profiler is an interactive tool that provides information about the electricity production mix in different regions. By entering a zip code, users can understand the specific energy sources powering their local area.

Additionally, the Beyond Tailpipe Emissions Calculator, developed by the EPA and DOE, is a user-friendly tool designed to estimate the greenhouse gas emissions from charging and driving an EV or a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). This tool allows users to select specific EV or PHEV models and input their zip code to compare the CO2 emissions from these vehicles with those from gasoline cars. These tools empower individuals to make informed decisions about the environmental impact of their transportation choices.

This article was co-written using AI and was then heavily edited and optimized by our editorial team.

TTAC Staff

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Dave M. To paraphrase Bill Kilgore, I love the smell of triggered MAGA in the morning.....
Jonathan Sounded interesting, until I got to the all electric part. No thanks.
Paul Alexander These comments represent a great cross section of what counts for political discussion in this country: either dunking on Kool-Aid drinking Biden (or whatever else Democratic politician), or in a mirrorlike fashion, dunking on Kool-Aid drinking Trump supporters (or whatever else Republican politician). My worthless opinion? They all represent elite interests, which run counter to everyone in this comment section's interests, regardless of the crumbs they may kick down occasionally.
Duties Imagine we lived in a world where all cars were EV's. And then along comes a new invention: the Internal Combustion Engine.Think how well they would sell. A vehicle HALF the weight, HALF the price that would cause only a quarter of the damage to the road. A vehicle that could be refueled in 1/10th the time, with a range of 4 times the distance in all weather conditions. One that does not rely on the environmentally damaging use of non-renewable rare earth elements to power it, and uses far less steel and other materials. A vehicle that could carry and tow far heavier loads. And is less likely to explode in your garage in the middle of the night and burn down your house with you in it. And ran on an energy source that is readily extracted with hundreds of years known supply.Just think how excited people would be for such technology. It would sell like hot cakes, with no tax credits! Whaddaya think? I'd buy one.
MrIcky Objectively, Biden clearly isn't the worst president ever based on straight metrics - some of you are rolling around in your hysteria too much and you're wearing rose colored glasses for Trump.It's not the worst economy: Very low unemployment with rising wages- that may or may not last but it's what is right now.Both stocks AND bonds are performing well, which is fairly rare.Inflation is relatively high for the last 20 years at 3.4% as of 5/15 but beats the 50 year average of 3.8%Not a Biden fan, but logic vs yelling at clouds and pearl clutching that immigrants are going to eat your babies.***objectively, btw- it would be very hard to beat Carter for worst for the last 60 years.