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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AZFelix With both fuel lines and battery packs, Lamborghini owners can soon wager on which part of the engine will instigate the self immolation of their super cars.
Namesakeone The realities of the market have spoken: with a little help of a lingering recession (in that most families need a car for every purpose, rather than affording multiple cars as once was true), and with a little advertising-prodding from the manufacturers, the SUV and crossover have, in turn, replaced the station wagon, the minivan, and now the sedan. (Or maybe the minivan replaced the station wagon. Whatever.) I still like cars, but the only votes are the ones that a.) come to new-car dealerships, and b.) come with money attached. Period.
MaintenanceCosts "But your author does wonder what the maintenance routine is going to be like on an Italian-German supercar that plays host to a high-revving engine, battery pack, and several electric motors."Probably not much different from the maintenance routine of any other Italian-German supercar with a high-revving engine.
28-Cars-Later "The unions" need to not be the UAW and maybe there's a shot. Maybe.
2manyvettes I had a Cougar of similar vintage that I bought from my late mother in law. It did not suffer the issues mentioned in this article, but being a Minnesota car it did have some weird issues, like a rusted brake line.(!) I do not remember the mileage of the vehicle, but it left my driveway when the transmission started making unwelcome noises. I traded it for a much newer Ford Fusion that served my daughter well until she finished college.