According to the EPA, most greenhouse gas emissions come from cars and trucks. In recent years, transportation gas is the second largest contributor. The average daily commute in the United States is about 20 miles, which translates to one metric ton of carbon dioxide emitted in a single trip. Although seemingly small, this adds up quickly throughout the year as everyone commutes daily. Of all transportation, about 1,750,000 metric tons are emitted in a year. This statistic only includes the United States and is a dangerously high number.
The consequences of all air pollutants do not carry any risk. The large amount of carbon dioxide that is emitted each year is what experts believe is the cause of global warming. Warming can endanger our health and can lead to extreme weather conditions, such as rising sea levels due to floods and droughts. Because oil is a non-renewable resource, it will only be harder to obtain, making gasoline burning even worse.
With all the seemingly negative effects of traditional car engines, there are some positives. Gasoline-powered engines will travel much further than an electric motor. All electric cars will only travel up to 100 miles on a full charge before needing to be plugged in again. If a consumer is not close to a place where they can charge, this may be of concern to the individual. Charging stations have not yet become a commodity that is everywhere. Also, the price of a car with a combustion engine will be less than that of a pure hybrid vehicle. The median price to buy a new hybrid car can go as high as $ 30,000, but a typical midsize sedan has a median price of around $ 18,000.
Although electric vehicles are priced significantly higher than others, they will generally last several years longer than a gasoline-based car. A battery in the electric car will last up to 100,000 miles before needing to be replaced. With no engine to maintain, you save money due to lack of oil changes and maintenance. Plus, the brakes will last noticeably longer, making it even more profitable. Lastly, and most importantly, zero emissions will come out of the electric vehicle. Some emissions are emitted to produce the electricity needed to charge the car, but it does not compare to the greenhouse gases that are released into the air through combustion engines.
Demand for a fully hybrid car has increased in the last decade, but traditional cars still sell better. According to the EIA, electric cars sell for a very small fraction compared to gasoline cars. However, by 2040, the growth rate of electric cars is expected to be 11%, while conventional cars will only grow 0.1%. It is assumed that most family households will have both types of vehicles in the future, one for traveling long distances and the other for circulating around the city. If these predictions are correct, transportation will no longer be a large contributor of greenhouse gases and each individual’s carbon footprint will not have as much of an impact on the environment.