Are Electric Cars Really Better for the Environment?

There’s been a lot of news in Cape Coral and beyond about the environmental benefits of electric cars, like the 2023 Cadillac Lyriq. But are electric cars better for the environment? Fact is, the fewer fossil fuels we burn on Naples streets, the smaller our carbon footprint. Every reduced carbon footprint is an improvement in our air quality which benefits the environment. Interested in going in-depth into how electric cars are better for the environment? Val Ward Cadillac can help! 

Electric Car Definition

Before we jump into answering, “Are electric cars really better for the environment,” let’s take a look at what constitutes an electric car—also called an EV. The difference between an electric car and a gasoline-powered car on Naples streets comes down to the kind of fuel that powers the car’s motor. Conventional cars are powered by gasoline, which creates combustion power. That’s not the case with EVs, which run on batteries that get their power by being plugged into a charger. Many chargers get their energy from coal or natural gas power plants, which is also a fossil fuel but has less impact than a gasoline-burning engine since EVs usually get more MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent) than gasoline-powered cars. Many chargers offer wind, solar, and hydroelectric power, which are better for the environment.

Environmental Benefits of Electric Cars

When Bonita Springs drivers choose an EV or a hybrid vehicle that uses both gasoline and battery power, they’ll be using less non-renewable energy than if they drove a similar gasoline-powered vehicle. EVs are virtually free of emissions, which is great for the environment. However, if you’re using a charging system that’s powered by coal or natural gas instead of one that offers solar, wind, or hydroelectric power, some of your emission-free driving benefits will be countered by the fossil fuel use in charging. For the most environmental benefits of electric cars, choose a charging system powered by renewable energy sources. 

There’s more carbon pollution created to produce an electric vehicle than a gasoline-powered vehicle—it takes a lot of extra energy to produce an EV’s battery. This extra pollution is offset by the EV’s zero tailpipe emissions due to their lack of gasoline engines, meaning that EVs still emit fewer greenhouse gases than gas-powered cars.

Learn More About Cadillac EVs at Val Ward Cadillac

Are you ready to make the switch to electric? Contact Val Ward Cadillac to find out how to get into a new Cadillac Lyriq. In the meantime visit the Cadillac information hub to stay abreast of the latest Cadillac vehicles and features.