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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FreedMike I don't see why you can't have both EVs and conventionally powered cars.
Zerofoo We leased a new CX-5 for my daughter when she started driving. We put nothing down and bought gap insurance. The theory was if she totaled the car, it was nothing more than a rental. If she kept the car in good shape and the car was reliable, we would, at the end of the lease, have the opportunity to buy a low-mileage 3 year old used car.
Peter KODAK Moment
Eliyahu Toyota has looked at the state of the world and decided that hybrids are the best fit for currently achieving environmental and regulatory goals. Their hybrid production is now across many of their models. Honda is following suit. They will both likely also produce some electric vehicles. The best path forward is likely higher fuel taxes, with some tax credit offsets for the lower tax brackets. This would encourage a move toward more fuel efficient vehicles. The US big 3 auto makers are the ones with the most to lose here-they are the late adapters-coasting on trucks.
28-Cars-Later Used Teslas are getting very cheap, but buying one can be risky - Ars Technica Teslas are very connected cars, and many of their convenience features are accessed via smartphone apps. But that requires that Tesla's database shows you as the car's owner, and there are plenty of reports online that transferring ownership from Hertz can take time.Unfortunately, this also leaves the car stuck in Chill driving mode (which restricts power, acceleration, and top speed) and places some car settings outside of the new owner's level of access. You also won't be able to use Tesla Superchargers while the car still shows up as belonging to Hertz. Based on forum reports, contacting Tesla directly is the way to resolve this, but it can take several days to process; longer if there's a paperwork mismatch.Once you've transferred ownership to Tesla's satisfaction, it's time to do a software reset on the car to remove the fleet version.So apparently the state maintains title but so does Tesla in a way, and they cripple some features until they feel satisfied in unlocking them to you. How long till they brick it by satellite because, reasons? But yes, rah! rah! BEV! - its not a tool of tyranny at all, honest. Edit: Comment from the Ars forum: Happy MediumArs Tribunus Militum 19y When I got to the section that stated that THE CAR WILL BE FUNCTIONALLY CRIPPLED unless you get Tesla's acceptance of you buying the car, I got incredibly infuriated. How in the hell is this going to work going forwards? Is Tesla literally going to be approving every single resale of its cars from now until the car is totaled? Jeezus, connected is one thing, but having final ownership authority in the hands of the manufacturer and not the seller/purchaser seems horrible. 28's thoughts to Happy Medium.