As society marches into the 21st century, the burning question in everyone’s mind is “Will electric cars stop global warming?” Though many are optimistic that electric cars will reduce emissions, the reality is more complex. Electric cars, though effective in reducing CO2 emissions, only address one symptom of the larger environmental issue, and experts recognize that other thoughtful, more comprehensive solutions are needed to truly combat global warming in a meaningful way.
Electric cars are powered by electricity instead of gasoline, meaning that users avoid the need to burn gasoline to transit over a given distance. This eliminates exhaust gas and drastically reduces the total carbon dioxide emissions associated with the combustion of petrol-based fuels, making electric cars an attractive, viable option for reducing environmental impact and combatting global warming.
However, while electric cars contribute to the goal of reducing carbon dioxide emissions, they are still dependent on electricity that has been generated from other sources, such as coal or oil. As such, the emissions connected with the electricity generation process itself are still an issue, and need to be taken into account when assessing the overall effect electric cars have on global warming.
Furthermore, electric cars are not necessarily the most efficient way to reduce emissions when compared to other transportation options, such as carpooling or public transit. According to the Union of Concerned Scientists, electric vehicles can be nearly three times as efficient as traditional gasoline-powered cars, but carpooling or taking public transit can reduce emissions by much more — up to 90 percent.
The production of electric cars also has an impact on the environment. Building an electric car requires mining and processing of materials, as well as energy-intensive manufacturing. A 2015 study in the journal Environmental Research Letters concluded that the production of electric vehicles emits more than traditional cars do. Additionally, current electric cars contain batteries with components that are manufactured using hazardous chemicals, raising further environmental concerns.
Clearly, electric cars are not the be-all end-all solution to global warming. Instead, we need to think holistically, and develop a comprehensive strategy that includes not only electric cars, but other methods of transportation, renewable energy sources, improved energy efficiency standards, and waste management. It is only when we have combined all these elements together that we can make a meaningful impact on global warming.
Ultimately, electric cars can be an effective tool for reducing emissions and helping to combat global warming — but it’s not enough. We must take a comprehensive approach to combatting this immense problem in order to truly have an impact.
