One of the most popular ways to go green is to cut back on the use of plastic and recycle. Another way that’s currently gaining more popularity is switching from gasoline vehicles to electric vehicles. It is known that gas-powered cars release more carbon dioxide, as well as carbon monoxide. Carbon dioxide is a known outdoor air pollutant, and carbon monoxide is also an indoor air pollutant.
Luckily, the newer model vehicles release less carbon dioxide than they have in previous years, but many people still choose to go electric, or at the very least, hybrid. Still, some may not be ready to switch over to an electric or hybrid vehicle, as there are pros and cons to all types of vehicles.
Electric Vehicles
The Good
The main benefit of having an electric car is that you’re reducing your carbon footprint. Electric vehicles emit no gas, so they are better for the environment. And being that they need no gas, that’s a bill that you can cross off of your list forever. Even when gas prices are at their lowest, you’re not missing out because you don’t need it in the first place. In addition to not needing gas, you won’t need oil either. A fully electric vehicle doesn’t need oil for the engine (or battery) to function.
The Bad
Because electric cars are still pretty new, they’re more expensive than gasoline and hybrid cars. This means that car insurance rates are likely to be higher as well, you just have to check to be sure. And even though you won’t need gas, you’re going to need electricity— which isn’t free. Charging at your home will likely add to your electric bill, and charging at charging stations will not likely be free. Speaking of charging stations, they aren’t as abundant as gas stations are right now, and with the limited range that these electric vehicles have, you’re going to have to plan all of your car trips very carefully.
Who makes electric cars?
Even with all of that being said, it’s still a good idea to at least think about investing in an electric car. After all, they’re still pretty new so that means that all of these drawbacks will soon have a solution. Here’s a list of some companies that make electric cars:
- Tesla
- General Motors
- Nissan
- BMW
- Hyundai
- Ford
- Audi
Gasoline Vehicles
The Good
It may seem like gas cars are all bad and no good, but there are some benefits. As mentioned above, today’s gas-powered cars do not emit as much CO2 (carbon dioxide) as they did in the past, making them greener than at least the cars from 50 years ago, and maybe even 25 years ago. The other pros of having a gasoline car is pretty much the current cons of having an electric one. They’re less expensive (both to buy and insure) and there’s an abundance of gas stations to keep your car going on both short and long trips.
The Bad
The obvious con of a gas car is that even though they’ve gotten better about CO2 emissions, they’re still not as environmentally friendly as an electric car or even a hybrid car. Hybrid cars use even less fuel than gas-powered cars, and they also run on electricity. Another downfall of gasoline vehicles is that their drivers have to deal with the fluctuations in gas prices. Some years/seasons they’re extremely low, and the next they’re considerably high.
The Most Fuel-Efficient Cars
Here’s a list of the most fuel-efficient cars of 2021, according to a Consumer Report:
- Honda Insight
- Toyota Prius
- Hyundai Ioniq
- Toyota Corolla
- Honda Accord
- Toyota Camry
- Hyundai Sonata
- Kia Niro
- Toyota Avalon
- Mitsubishi Mirage
If you’re still on the fence about switching to an electric car, start with a hybrid to get the feel of a car running on electricity. Even this will reduce your carbon footprint. If you’re still wary of both types, then at the very least consider buying a fuel-efficient car, as even this small change can reduce your carbon footprint.
