Air pollution is threatening people in many communities around the world. In fact, about 78% of air pollution in the world comes from carbon emissions in urban areas. If you live in a big city, you can help reduce air pollution in your community and reap some nice economical benefits by getting around in an electric vehicle.
The Environmental Impact
In the United States, air pollution in major cities is mostly produced by internal combustion engines in gas-fueled vehicles. When oil is extracted, refined, and transported to gas stations, this process produces well-to-wheel emissions. These discharges are part of the problem because they create a lot of pollution in the air.
Thanks to greener technologies, today’s automakers utilize manufacturing practices that are much more environmentally sound than they were a few decades ago. In terms of long-term environmental protection, electric vehicles can help. Although EV production creates emissions too, there is a bright side. Unlike combustion vehicles, electric cars produce cleaner energy on the road. If you buy an electric automobile, it will produce 50% less carbon emissions throughout its lifespan.
The Solutions
There are three types of electric vehicles: plug-in hybrids, battery electric, and hybrid electric. Their classifications come from their level of dependence on electric power.
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles
A plug-in hybrid electric car has two power sources. It has one electric battery and one combustion engine. To charge the battery, you’ll need an external outlet. The combustion engine for a plug-in hybrid serves two purposes. It can increase a car’s range, and it can gradually charge an electric battery.
Some examples of plug-in hybrid cars include the Toyota Prius and the Hyundai Ioniq. If you need a minivan or SUV, the Chrysler Pacifica and Toyota RAV4 come in hybrid form.
How Plug-In Hybrids Help City Dwellers
A plug-in hybrid electric car is fun to drive and cheap to operate. Because the range of these vehicles on electric power is fairly short, they make sense for short trips around city streets whether to the grocery store or the gym.
Good Performance on Urban Roads
With a plug-in hybrid, you’ll get a very responsive transmission system. It will set a good pace on urban streets and interstates. This electric car generates plenty of torque, so it can haul hefty cargo without slowing down.
A plug-in electric hybrid is an outstanding transportation option for busy city residents. If you combine its gas and electric output, the mpg rating is quite impressive. Also, when a plug-in electric hybrid car is in gas mode, it produces less pollution than a combustion vehicle.
Great Financial Perks for an Urban Lifestyle
If you purchase a plug-in electric hybrid and use it daily, you’ll reap long-term financial benefits. The initial investment will be your only hurdle because a hybrid is a bit pricey. However, if you explore different incentives, you’ll be rewarded.
Also, since a hybrid has top-grade parts, you’ll save cash annually on maintenance. You’ll value the regenerative braking system as a regenerative setup puts less stress on a set of brake pads.
Because a plug-in electric hybrid primarily uses electricity instead of gasoline, it will help you save money at the pump too. In terms of long-term protection, a typical battery will have a solid warranty. It will provide good coverage for approximately eight to 10 years.
Convenient Charging
There are two ways to charge a plug-in electric hybrid. You could connect it to a 120-volt power outlet using a cord set or use a Level 2 charger. With a Level 2 charger, you’ll get a faster charge. Level 2 chargers are available in select locations (parking lots and other facilities) in urban areas.
Battery Electric Vehicles
A battery electric vehicle operates on pure electricity. It runs on a set of rechargeable batteries, and it has a port for an external charging outlet. If the batteries are completely drained, you can still operate a BEV because it also has a gasoline engine, a tailpipe, and a fuel tank.
How Battery Electric Vehicles Help Those Who Live in Cities
More automotive companies are now manufacturing better battery electric cars because the technology evolves every year. Brands that make all-electric vehicles include Chevrolet, Tesla, and Nissan.
Less Maintenance
Combustion engines need oil, but oil changes are expensive. A conventional oil change ranges from $35 to $75, and a synthetic oil change spans from $65 to $125. A battery electric car doesn’t necessarily need oil, oil changes, or any type of maintenance that relates to a traditional gas engine.
Also, a battery electric car has a good braking system like a plug-in hybrid. The brakes will hold up well, so you won’t have to buy replacement pads very often.
Quiet Operation
A battery electric car operates quietly on a full charge. When it accelerates, you’ll barely hear the engine. Some electric cars may have a louder electric engine. However, these are not authentic engine sounds, and they are mainly designed to alert urban pedestrians. The 2019 Jaguar i-Pace is designed this way; when it accelerates, the engine roars.
Tax Credits
If you buy a battery electric car, you could get a hefty tax credit. In some states, this credit is worth up to $7,500. However, be sure to read the fine print — you may need to own an electric car by a certain brand. If you want to learn more, review any reputable IRS resource that covers tax credits.
Special Lanes
With an electric car, depending on where you live, you’ll have access to special highway lanes. These lanes are made specifically for electric cars. You can bypass heavy traffic during rush hour in these lanes.
Hybrid Electric Vehicles
Hybrid electric vehicles run on gas and battery power, and they have a regenerative braking system specifically for charging purposes. On the road, a hybrid electric car’s battery is always the main power source. The combustion engine will only activate when the battery needs a power boost or help pulling a load.
How Hybrid Electric Vehicles Help Urban Dwellers
A hybrid electric vehicle packs a one-two punch. It can switch power sources on the fly. If the primary engine needs help, the alternative engine will handle the load. Manufacturers like BMW, Hyundai, and Acura produce these vehicles.
Auto Start and Stop
If you drive a hybrid vehicle, you’ll save energy in a profound way. Basically, the electric engine will automatically deactivate at every stop. Then, it will reactivate immediately after you press the accelerator. This type of automation defines an electric motor.
A Smart Engine
Because a hybrid electric car has two engines, it runs cleaner, and it doesn’t need to rely on fossil fuel. If more consumers buy these cars and use their engines, local gas prices in urban markets could eventually drop.
A Lightweight Design
Hefty cars are sluggish, and they burn a lot of gas. Since a hybrid electric car is lighter, it uses far less energy on road. These lightweight designs mean smarter, much more efficient production too.
