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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1995 SC In the realm of bad things that can happen to a 10th Gen Thunderbird, the subject car of this article got off easy. This was a kit back in the day and a suprising number still pop up:
28-Cars-Later I'm not dead, I'm getting better.
Jalop1991 GTI all the things--because the Germans do it better.But it'll never happen.Instead, this will turn into all trim options, like VW's "R-line" and Hyundai's "N-line". Lipstick on a pig.
Bd2 No match for N by Hyundai, the most glorious letter in the performance Alphabet.
28-Cars-Later Of course they will, its just a trim. At the core its a stupid idea but if it turns a buck it would be foolish to not implement. "Certainly, a precedent exists here with the likes of BMW and Mercedes long having offered hot variants of crossovers such as the X6 M and AMG-ized GLwhatever." Who I point and laugh at as often as I can. I have a friend with an actual G-Klasse (V12 no less), that's a Mercedes. Your 'Bama special ML err GL really isn't and never will be. It may rob you like a Mercedes in and out of warranty but it lacks the panache and prestige of one, just a step above K.I.A. on the Karen scale of fakeness.