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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Joe65688619 Looks like they at least have the same button controls for HVAC and radio as my RDX. Glad to see the've done away with the touchpad. But it's hard to see how the MDX will successfully compete with the Grand Highlander (or the ZDX vs. the Lyric, for that matter, even though they share the drivetrain.) The RDX/ZDX/MDX look too much alike - maybe Mazda can get away with the 50/70/90, but when I drive by an Acura dealership I see too many vehicles that look pretty much the same (and pretty much the same as they have for close to a decade now).
Redapple2 F1- crash at tunnel entrance when douche wipes out team mate ? GOLD!
Redapple2 I turned off indy after the 7 th yellow (and 2nd or was it the 3rd time they couldnt make it 2 laps laps more before another crash (it was like a demolition derby)). I wanted to tune in the last 20 laps my remote got confiscated. Monaco> why does that Princess look so spaced out all the time?
Redapple2 Modern faux retro styling? I m beginning to HATE it. Was the PT Cruiser the first - 20 some years ago. Next, my new Land Rover in 2006 was in the shop 3x in the first year. Almost came to blows with the service manager when they wouldnt admit to a defect and wanted me to pay $1200 on something. (an 8 month old car mind you). 3- what s with the smaller square tail lights next to the bigger square tail lights? Cheap gimmicky styling flair? I truly cant stand Land Rovers any more. I ll buy a Yukon Denali from evil gm Vampire before I buy one of these.
2ACL If you're going to put $13k into a tired Astro van, either finish restoring it, drive it back into the ground, or accept that you're going to take a bath to part ways. As is, this looks like a crusher fugitive and sounds as if itdrives like one, too.