Are EV Cars Better For the Environment? Can It Solve Toxic Air Pollution and Respiratory Problems?

(Photo : by JONATHAN NACKSTRAND/AFP via Getty Images)
Electric car in the Norwegian capital Oslo. Electric vehicles (EV) can improve air quality, reduce health risks, and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. Transitioning to EV cars can help communities and the environment. The incentives for EVs in Oslo encouraged residents to avail electric cars more than conventional vehicles, significantly improving air quality and decreasing PM emissions

The electric vehicle (EV) arrival has offered hope for a greener future. Slowly transitioning to e-vehicles can be efficient for energy and the environment, with a smaller carbon footprint. Experts say electric vehicles can improve poor air quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, saving the environment and urban areas from climate change effects and unhealthy air. 

Andrew Kuttow, editor-in-chief of Lambocars, explained that EVs can produce zero tailpipe emissions, and it does not emit pollutants like nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM). The said pollutants can contribute to urban smog and respiratory diseases.

Kuttow added that electric cars don't emit carbon dioxide (CO2) from the tailpipe, a greenhouse gas contributing to global warming.

Health Risk and Greenhouse Gas Emission Problems

Buses, cars and other vehicles with fossil fuels can worsen air pollution. The growing need for cars can primarily increase the worst impacts of unhealthy air quality. The harmful pollutants from fossil fuel-powered vehicles are particulate matter (PM), nitrogen oxide (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), greenhouse gases and many more. These pollutants can bring significant health concerns and environmental impacts.

"Pollutants from these vehicles exacerbate respiratory issues like asthma and can lead to other long-term health impacts. By removing these pollutants from the equation, electric cars can improve respiratory health," Kuttow explained.

Poor air quality can increase other health risks, including heart disease, lung cancer and pulmonary infections. Older adults, children and people with medical conditions are considered vulnerable to poor air quality.

In 2021, the US recorded the transportation sector had one of the highest greenhouse gas emissions. It was mainly from cars, trucks, trains and other petroleum-based vehicles. The emissions can help intensify climate change and global warming.

Why Are EV Cars Better for the Environment and Health?

The increasing emissions can exacerbate climate change and global warming, bringing extreme heat and other weather-related events. As a result, using electric vehicles provides long-term and effective solutions to mitigate climate change, poor air quality and greenhouse gas emissions. It can decrease the PM 2.5 levels.

"Unlike gas-based cars, electric cars don't use combustion engines, which are the primary generator of pollutants, according to Vinav Shah, air quality expert and founder of Air Aware Network.

Vinah Shah added that the internal combustion engine produces carbon dioxide, PM 2.5 (particulate matter) and PM 10. CO2 could likely cause decreased cognitive functioning.  In addition, the expert noted that a medium-sized EV could produce 60 to 68% fewer greenhouse gas emissions than a gas-powered vehicle.

"The New York Department of Health has also said that PM 2.5 (what soot, a result of the combustion, is classified as) causes asthma, heart disease, and low birth rate." the air quality expert explained, 

Also Read: Global Impact of Extreme Weather Events: Climate Change Can Intensify Frequent Hurricanes, Drought, Wildfires

Benefits of Electric Vehicles in Oslo, China and the US

Recent reports showed that more than 80% of new cars in Norway transitioned to battery-powered or EV. The country has seen the remarkable effects of electric vehicles, leading the revolution to EVs.

"Oslo in Norway is a great example. More than half of their new cars electric now, thanks to government support like tax breaks and free charging. As a result, the city saw a 12% drop in NOx emissions from 2019 to 2020." Patryk Doornebos, owner and lead author of CarTriple.

The incentives for EVs in Oslo encouraged residents to avail electric cars more than conventional vehicles, significantly improving air quality and decreasing PM emissions. With the effective use of EVs, the country received the title of European Green Capital.

Furthermore, the country is expected to end the sale of diesel and petrol cars. The speedy transition to EVs is due to effective and reliable charging networks.

"A study by the International Council on Clean Transportation found that electric cars produced lower CO2 emissions in Europe than conventional vehicles, even when factoring in electricity generation, " James William explained, founder and director of Caraudiosense.com.

In France and Germany, manufacturers are expected to develop the best purchase options for lower-income households to avail electric cars. The affordable e-cars can invite more people with incentives.

Using EVs can significantly decrease premature deaths in Europe by up to 50,000 per year. In London, electric vehicle fleet and transportation have been on the driveways, a smart solution to climate change.

In addition, EVs are quiet, reducing noise pollution. Doornebos explained that switching to EVs can boost cities with greener communities and cleaner air. Thousands of EV chargers can invite more car owners to consider electric cars.

In China, the report showed poor air quality can cause premature deaths of about 1.2 million people. The EVs can help reduce public health concerns due to air pollution, especially electrifying heavy-duty vehicles.

Kuttow emphasized that adopting electric cars could decrease urban pollution. Based on a report, the Beijing EVs could reduce CO2 by 4% and PM concentrations by 1% if 20% of cars were electric. Shenzhen also initiated a program to have environmentally friendly vehicles.

"Shenzhen, China, is an excellent case study. The city successfully transitioned its entire public bus fleet to electric, with over 16,000 electric buses in operation. This transition has significantly contributed to reducing local air pollutants," Kuttow explained.

Haealth Effects of Gas-Powered Vehicles in US

In the US, gas vehicles contribute to alarming levels of pollution and health problems. Records show that about 4 in 10 Americans live unhealthy impacts of air pollution, especially for people near the highways. However, the new report showed that transitioning to electric vehicles can benefit Americans by 2050. Here are the numbers:

• It can potentially save over 100,000 people in America that could be at risk of air pollution
• The government can save at least $1.2tn in public health costs
• At least 2.8 million fewer asthma attacks can be prevented
• Significant decrease in greenhouse gases up to 90%

Furthermore, people must be aware of the benefits of EVs in cities and communities. Advocacy programs are vital to highlight the significant contribution of EVs. The innovative solution of electric cars is a step for municipalities to potentially lower emissions and prevent harmful air.

Also Read: Climate Change-Induced Drought Impacts Global Water Security, New Report Shows

Experts' Tips in Buying Electric Vehicles

Electric vehicles are high-performance and energy-efficient, benefiting the environment and people in urban areas. With an EV, people can spark change in the transportation sector. Here are the suggestions from experts in buying an EV.

"If you're thinking about an EV, check for any government incentives that might save you money," Doornebos explained. Then, people should share their stories to inspire others.

Meanwhile, William emphasized that buyers should buy EVs suited to their needs. Car owners should also maintain their electric cars for maximum efficiency.

Furthermore, Kuttow explained that electric chargers can be cheaper to charge at home. People should be aware of tax breaks, rebates, all registration fees and nearby public charging networks.

The increasing benefits of EVs can change society and the environment. Adopting EVs can solve air pollution respiratory problems and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, the expensive costs should be addressed to encourage more lower-income families to buy.

Related Article: EV Innovations: How Electric Vehicles Have Become Cleaner With Each New Versions

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