Are Electric Cars Really Better for the Environment?

With the cost of gasoline rising, interest in electric vehicles has intensified among Cranston, RI-area drivers. New and used EVs are seen as alternatives that are not only more affordable in the long run, but also more environmentally friendly. But are electric cars really better for the environment? When compared to vehicles powered by traditional internal combustion engines, yes they are. That being said, electric cars aren’t entirely as green as most people think. Learn more about the environmental benefits of electric cars with the experts at MINI of Warwick, then visit our dealership near Providence, RI to check out our MINI Cooper SE Electric Hardtop 2 Door today!

Environmental Benefits of Electric Vehicles

Are electric cars better for the environment? According to a greenhouse gas emissions calculator created by the EPA, electric vehicles do not produce the high level of greenhouse gas emissions that the average gasoline-powered vehicle does. Are electric vehicles really green? While EVs do not emit any carbon dioxide on the roads in and around Newport, RI, the energy stored in their batteries is problematic.

Zero emissions is one of the prime environmental benefits of electric vehicles. However, much of the electricity generated in the U.S. comes from power plants that run on fossil fuels. The Energy Information Administration has calculated that 60% of U.S. power plants use fossil fuels, with close to 20% burning coal to produce energy. This kind of extended connection to fossil fuels is known as “upstream emissions”.

So, are electric vehicles really better for the environment? They still are, and depending on your location, the “upstream emissions” problem may be reduced, as nuclear power plants account for 20% of electricity produced in the U.S., with a further 20% coming from sustainable resources such as wind, solar, and hydroelectric plants. The bottom line is that EVs are a better alternative to gas-powered cars in terms of total emissions.

In addition to the environmental benefits of electric vehicle, other key benefits of EVs include:

• Reduced Maintenance: Full electric vehicles don’t require engine oil, so there’s no need for oil changes.
• Quieter Drive: One major benefit of electric vehicles is the quiet ride. Without an internal combustion engine, you’ll enjoy a serene ride on Warwick roads.
• Performance: Recent advancements in EV technology and engineering have resulted in electric motors that are capable of producing near-instantaneous torque, so you can still enjoy thrilling acceleration.
• Incentives: Many new EVs are eligible for a tax credit from the federal government that can be as high as $7,500 depending on the type of EV you purchase.

Learn More About the Benefits of Electric Cars Today at MINI of Warwick!

Are electric cars better for the environment? EVs are responsible for lower CO2 emissions than those created by average gasoline vehicles regardless of where you drive, and that makes them better for the planet. The team at MINI of Warwick will be happy to fill you in on all the benefits of electric vehicles and introduce you to the MINI Cooper Electric. If you have any questions, please contact us online or stop by our Warwick dealership.