In a world where most of us are becoming environmentally conscious, it’s befitting to ask how green the electric vehicle really is. A nonprofit called Union of Concerned Scientists has done a research comparing global warming emissions of electric vehicles to fuel powered ones to provide an answer to the question. The study found that vehicles with high gas mileage are comparatively less polluting than plug-in vehicles charged up in coal heavy areas.
A report released by the union called ‘State of Charge’ has revealed that on an average, electric vehicles emit less pollution than gasoline powered cars in the United States. However, the greenhouse gases emitted out of plug-in vehicles also depends on the source of the electricity.
The research focuses on a long standing heated argument in auto circles. Manufacturers have often referred to electric cars as zero emission vehicles which is not entirely true since many EV owners rely on electricity produced by burning natural gas or coal to charge their rides.
Plug-in vehicles charged in regions with a cleaner source of electricity can produce an equivalent of 50 miles per gallon or more, better than the best fuel efficient diesel or gasoline car currently in the market. The regions comprise most of the states on the eastern seaboard and the western states, since they’re more dependent on nuclear or hydropower. These areas, therefore, are best for electric vehicles and comprise approximately 45 percent of the entire United States population.
The scientists also said that the other benefits of driving plug-in vehicles is that although EVs are more expensive, in their given life span, owners can save more than 6,000 gallons of gas and almost $13,000 as compared to conventional fuel powered cars. Drivers and owners can also cut down their electric charging expenditure by making use of EV specific rates.
Via: ucsusa
