Are Electric Cars The Future?
What are electric cars?
Electric cars are run by electricity. They get this electricity from the grid, being plugged into a charging point, which are usually situated around towns and cities. These cars store the electricity in rechargeable batteries that then power an electric motor, turning the wheels and making it move.
Why are they better for the environment?
Petrol and diesel cars have been used for decades as the number one way to travel. However, due the alarmingly large amount of toxic emissions and greenhouse gases they produce, specifically carbon dioxide (CO2), this needs to change. CO2 is one greenhouse gas that contributes most to climate change.
Electric cars emit fewer greenhouse gases and air pollution than petrol or diesel cars, (and this takes into account their production and electricity generation to keep them running). Pure electric cars have no tailpipe, so they produce no CO2 emissions when driven. This significantly improves the air quality of our towns and cities and makes our streets cleaner and safer for not only pedestrians, but cyclists and all residents of these cities. For example, in over a year, one electric car on the roads can save an average 1.5 million grams of CO2. That’s the equivalent of 4 return flights from London to Barcelona!
Even though there are many benefits to electric cars, there are also disadvantages. So, what are these?
Whilst no greenhouse gas emissions directly come from electric cars, they run on electricity that is, in large part, still produced from fossil fuels in many parts of the world. Energy is also used to manufacture the vehicle and battery.
Furthermore, the range on electric cars is not as good as traditional petrol and diesel cars. One worry that drivers have is that they will run out of battery before they get to their destination. However, that is not a problem as there are many charging stations available around towns and cities. Right?
Well, actually no. There is a severe lack of charging stations and the existing ones are unfortunately not accessible to the majority of society. To have access to a charging station, it’s more suitable to live in a house with a garage and garden, whereas many people live in other accommodations. This means that those who live in flats, especially in deprived areas are unable to access these stations.
In relation to this, the prices of electric cars are unaffordable for the average individual, with the cheapest model of electric car being more expensive than the average worker’s annual income. This highlights that not only are electric cars difficult to keep up with, but also difficult to attain.
In order for the current climate situation to improve and for gas emissions to decrease, electric cars must be made for affordable and accessible for everyone to use. In addition, the government has a responsibility to provide better infrastructure to support this movement.
Sources: www.edfenergy.com, carbonbrief.org
By Leah Burgess, Emily Cosh and Kaitlyn Brannan
