As an electric car owner, I’m a firm believer in their positive impact on the environment. However, I was curious about the exact amount of emissions that electric cars produce in comparison to gas vehicles. Despite being a cleaner mode of transportation, electric vehicles still create emissions during electricity generation, which can come from various sources such as coal or solar power. The amount of emissions produced depends on where your electricity comes from. I decided to research and find out the specific difference in emissions between electric and gas vehicles.
Gas Car Average Emissions
To begin, I addressed the amount of emissions produced by a standard gasoline vehicle. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, driving a gasoline car for approximately 13,500 miles results in roughly five tons of carbon emissions per year. However, determining the emissions of an electric vehicle is a more intricate process.
Where Does Your Electricity Come from?
Most people rely on their local utility for electricity. It’s important to know where your electricity comes from, as it varies depending on the state you live in. Your power may be sourced from one or multiple of the following sources:
- Coal
- Petroleum
- Hyrdo
- natural gas
- nuclear
- renewables
The electricity you receive is produced using a variety of sources. Depending on your location, the primary sources of electricity may differ. For instance, coal is a main source of electricity in Missouri, while California’s electricity is mainly generated from natural gas and renewables. As a result, there may be a difference in emissions per kilowatt between the two locations, with Missouri having higher emissions.
Electric Car Emissions
IIf you want to determine the efficiency of an electric car, it’s crucial to know the source of your state’s electricity. To calculate the number of miles per kilowatt for your preferred electric vehicle model, you’ll need to consider your annual mileage, which should be around 13,500 miles. However, finding and calculating emissions data can be time-consuming. Coal-based electricity, for example, produces more emissions than solar power. Therefore, you need to understand the sources of your electricity and calculate the amount of carbon emissions per kilowatt produced. Initially, I spent a week creating an Excel spreadsheet model to determine the emissions of electric cars on a state-by-state basis. Now, I have developed an algorithm within Electric Driver that shows the sources used to create electricity and how much emissions each EV model generates based on location.
Initially, I spent a week creating an Excel spreadsheet model to determine the emissions of electric cars on a state-by-state basis. Now, I have developed an algorithm within Electric Driver that shows the sources used to create electricity and how much emissions each EV model generates based on location.
Electric Car Versus Gas Emission Feature
I recently discovered the impact electric cars have on the environment compared to gas vehicles. It’s important to know the amount of carbon emissions they produce based on their location and the specific electric car being driven. Electric Driver can provide information on the sources of your state’s electricity, including hydro, renewables, nuclear, coal, natural gas, and petroleum. Regardless of state, electric cars emit less pollution than gas cars. If you’re interested in learning more and finding an electric car that suits your needs, visit our Electric Driver website.