We’ve shared a guide about the increase in electric vehicles and the positive impact that has on the environment.
Electric vehicles are increasing in popularity, especially among young people, who are concerned about living more sustainably and creating a better, greener future.
But, how exactly are electric vehicles the future, and how can they help the planet?
The adoption of more EVs across the UK can help reduce greenhouse gases and noise pollution, improve energy efficiency, and bring economic benefits.
EVs can make a significant difference in reducing greenhouse gases, as they don’t produce exhaust emissions, avoiding the release of CO2 into the atmosphere. The lack of emissions improves air quality overall.
An EV can release an average of 50 grams of CO2 per kilometre, including the electricity generated, whereas an average petrol car can emit 165 grams of CO2 per kilometre. That’s a significant difference and impact overall. Over the course of a year, using an EV can save 1.5 million grams of CO2!
As many electric vehicles utilise renewable energy to generate electricity, it also boosts overall environmental benefits.
Electric vehicles also reduce noise pollution because they’re almost silent, compared to petrol and diesel cars, where noise is generated from the engine and exhaust. Driving EVs, especially at lower speeds, results in quieter streets, which, for many areas, especially urban, can benefit the wildlife.
The increase in electric vehicles has created opportunities for jobs across the UK in building charging stations, engineering, manufacturing and servicing, benefiting the economy and communities overall.
Other industries, such as fuel card companies, are also adapting to EVs by installing charging stations across car parks and service stations. Many private businesses are also adding stations to their site’s carpark, benefiting employees and customers. EV charging station installation benefits all businesses, including those installing the EV chargers and those with them on site, as they can earn revenue.
EVs are a more energy-efficient option than traditional petrol and diesel cars because they convert a higher percentage of energy from the car battery into motion, and only waste around 31-35% of energy overall.
While a petrol car can waste around 75-84% of energy through friction, heat and other inefficiencies, EVs have a more positive impact overall, as they lose less energy.
EVs have the potential to have a significant positive impact on energy utilities in the future. It’s predicted that by the 2040s, EVs can have over 30 TWh of installed battery storage capacity, which means EVs offer cheap energy storage with low operating costs and no capital costs.
It’s an innovative move for renewable energies, known as Vehicle-to-Grid, which allows energy to be pushed back to the power grid from the battery of an electric vehicle.
Overall, the growth in electric vehicles is a positive influence on a greener future, to tackle climate change, create cleaner air and aid economic growth.