Percifull 1

John Percifull

ENG 1201

Mrs.Kretzer

20 March 2019

Effects of Electric Cars

Over the past few decades, we have seen global warming become a huge problem. With

our planet temperatures, animal extinction rates, and pollution rates rising, how can we as a

human race find a solution? Some believe that we should simply cut back on our use of fossil

fuels. Other claim that we need to stop consuming meat, stop deforestation, and plant more trees.

There is no real way to know the correct answer, however, small steps lead to big changes. These

small steps include recycling, decreasing the consumption of fossil fuels, and integrating the use

of electric cars into our daily lives. As a society, making the switch to electric cars is crucial in

order to save the declining environment.

To begin, changing from normal cars to electric ones will strongly decrease pollution. In

an article written by Hike Fischer, he claims that electric cars “don't emit toxic gases like

conventional cars do”. For the environment, this is a positive change because fossil fuels cause

an immense amount of pollution each year. Without the harmful amount of pollutants being

released into the air, the environment will benefit, and thus begin to slowly improve. In another

source by Robert Rapier, he claimed that the use of electric cars will eliminate “noise pollution”

in big cities, which is a major problem for those that work long hours that require adequate

amounts of sleep, such as doctors and businessmen. The idea of a quiet city because of electric

cars is highly appealing, making the vehicles even better. In addition, according to the same

article, electric cars will help eliminate carbon emissions. This is crucial because carbon is a
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deadly gas that has negative effects on the environment and the organisms that inhabit it. By

making the switch to electric cars, society will benefit from cleaner air without toxic carbon. It is

evident from these articles that making the simple switch from traditional cars to electric means

of transportation will greatly impact the planet by reducing carbon emission, noise pollution, and

the usage of fossil fuels— all of which are extremely harmful to the environment.

In addition, incorporating electric cars into the daily lives of society is easy and fast.

According to an interview with Pat Davis, building charging stations for electric cars is

“expensive”. Although this is a negative side for most, the benefits highly outweigh the cost. He

asserts this idea when he claims that the consumer will save money in the end because much less

gas will have to be bought per year. Here, a positive case for switching to electric cars is made

because logos is effectively utilized. Pat Davis is an extremely credible source because he works

for the Vehicle Technology Programs of the United States Government. Due to the fact that he is

an official government employee, he is a very credible source and can be trusted. In this same

interview, Davis also claims that the safety risks of installing a home charging device are very

low. This means that electric cars are safe for families. There is little risk of fire, or electrocution.

This makes making the switch to electric vehicles easy because families do not have to take

safety precautions when purchasing a car that will benefit the environment. This idea is furthered

in a magazine written by “Science Focus”, where the author claims that to completely charge an

electric car, “it only takes about 40 minutes”. This means that the car can easily be plugged in

while running errands. The driver can then come back to a completely recharged and ready-to-go

car. This is ideal for people that are busy and on-the-go. Many companies and workplaces also

offer charging stations. Locations such as Whole Foods, and Target offer special parking spots

for drivers with cars in need of a recharge. In an article written by Tseard Zoethout, he claims
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that electric cars and his companies large charging stations are “icing on the cake”. In this case,

the cars facilitate everyday life. The numerous stations for recharging make having an electric

car even more appealing because the stations are a place where drivers of like cars can meet,

chat, and have dinner. Having a car that helps improve the environment and charges quickly is

important for today’s society. In a world where everyone is busy and on-the-go, a car that

charges in about forty minutes and helps make the world a better place is ideal and should be

encouraged.

Fig. 1 Showing how small and convenient charging stations are. (“How Environmentally

Friendly Are Electric Cars”)

Furthermore, electric cars are better for the environment because they have many more

benefits to them that regular cars. In an article from Energy.gov, the authors claim that regular

cars have two types of emissions: direct and light. Both are extremely harmful to the

environment. However, the authors also claimed that, “All-electric vehicles produce zero direct

emissions, which specifically helps improve air quality in urban areas”. The ultimate goal of

electric cars is to lessen the amount of pollutants given off by emissions. By making the switch

to electric cars, the air quality will slowly start to improve due to the lack of direct and light
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emissions being given off into the atmosphere. In addition, an article written by authors from

Sciencefocus.com claims that, when compared to petrol cars, electric cars will, “get cleaner if a

wind farm or other renewable energy source opens up nearby”. With this in mind, having electric

cars that run well on electricity alone is amazing. However, based off of this article, the use of

electric cars will prompt further steps to be taken to enhance and improve the environment.

These steps include building wind farms to harness energy and using solar panels. Due to the

additional steps that will need to eventually be taken after making the switch to electric cars, it is

evident that this is a positive step in the attempts to save the environment. To further this, in an

article written by Colin Beilby, he asserts the fact that electric cars are “100% eco-friendly”. He

also claims that electric cars easier to take care of and are “low maintenance” due to not having

to have the engine lubricated. This makes electric cars better for those with a busier lifestyle.

Unlike traditional cars, electric ones are easy to take care of. They simply need to be charged

every now and then. Unlike regular vehicles that require getting gas once a week, oil changes

twice a year, and lubricating the engine, electric car only need to be charged when the battery is

low. With that being said, electric cars have numerous advantages over traditional cars and

should therefore be implemented into the daily lives of every person.

While electric cars may seem like a great idea, there are a few drawbacks. These

negatives are minor and can be worked around with a strong desire to change the environment.

In an article written by Tseard Zoethout, he lists the disadvantages of driving an electric car. He

claims that, “the faster you drive your EV [electric car], the more it will have to be charged.” For

many this is a hassle, however for those that truly care about saving the environment, the extra

forty minutes it takes the charge the electric car is miniscule. In the short forty minutes it take to

charge up the electric vehicle, the driver can run errands or do chores around the house.
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Ultimately, the time used to charge is so small that it can be utilized to enhance the life of the

driver. This author also implies that these cars are negative to the lives of people due to the need

to constantly be around a charging station, if the driver is prone to accelerating. However, it is

crucial to consider the given benefits of driving an electric car. Although they need to be

charged, sometimes frequently, the electric cars serve as a great alternative to regular ones. With

less carbon and unhealthy admissions in the air, the air quality will begin to improve and changes

in the environment will start to occur.

Electric cars are the missing piece in the planets attempt to improve the environment. For

example, in an article writing on ScienceFocus.com, the authors claim that a spike in the

purchases of electric cars is, “forcasted to happen in the early 2020s”. With the year 2020

quickly approaching, electric cars are becoming more and more common. In another article

written by Colin Beilby, he claims that, “More than 43,000 electric cars were registered in the

UK- an increase of more than 1000% since 2013”. Based off of this statistic, it is clear that the

use of electric cars is becoming more and more popular. With an expected spike in 2020, making

the switch is the right thing to do.

In addition, making the switch to electric cars is eco-friendly. In an article written by

Welle Deutsche, he makes the claim that “governments are encouraging this change” from

regular cars to electric cars. The global governments have strong ethos, making the idea of

switching sound appealing. Citizens place their trust in the governments, and they listen to what

they have to say. If the government officials are advising people to use electric cars, then more-

than-likely they will. With each step that is taken by an individual, the environment will begin to

prosper. In that same article, the author states the fact that “Germany … aims to have 1 million

electric cars on the road by then [2020]”. Due to the immense benefits of driving an electric car,
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people are starting to realize that by making one small change, they can help better the

environment. After this realization is made, individuals with a strong desire to solve the

problems surrounding the environment will make the switch to eco-friendly cars. In another

article written by science focus.com, it is said that electric cars give “emission-free driving”.

Without harmful pollutants being emitted into the atmosphere, there will be less CO2 in the air.

This contributes to the eco-friendly reputation that the electric cars have. Many of the cars

eliminate air and noise pollution, which is very beneficial to the environment because harmful

toxins are not being released. For this reason, electric cars should be implemented into the daily

lives of those that drive.

Electric cars are also very accessible. Many of the cars can be charged within a home

garage. In an interview with Pat Davis, he was asked about the safety concerns of charging an

electric vehicle within a home. In his answer, he claimed that, “installing a charging station isn't

any rickier that installing an electric clothes dryer”. By making this assertion, Pat Davis is

promoting the fact that these vehicles are safe enough to be taken care of within the comfort of

one’s home. The electric cars do not require much more than a charger, which is great for those

that have a busy lifestyle. In that same interview, Pat also claims that installing a charger is also a

manageable process. When asked about how long it takes to install the charger and get a permit,

he simply answered, “it's going to vary quite a bit...We want it to be under 48 hours as a

standard”. In this case, the charger is easy to install, and quick to be permitted. For many, this

makes the switch from regular cars to electric cars seamless. Due to the easy accessibility of

electric cars, more people are likely to buy them. Once this happens, which it already is in many

parts of the world, the necessary steps will be being taken to improve and enhance the

environment.
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Electric cars help to save the environment in more than one way. In an article written by

Robert Rapier, he claims that electric cars can lead to “less carbon emissions”. Carbon is deadly

for the environment and as a result of regular cars, nearly “300 million metric tons” of carbon are

produced each year. In this case, making the switch from normal cars to electric ones would

greatly cut down on carbon emissions, thus prompting gradual improvement in the environment.

In that same article, Rapier also asserts the idea that, “according to NewCarPark.com, hybrid cars

can drive an average of five miles per gallon farther than their non-hybrid counter parts”. Not

only are electric cars more efficient, but they have great gas mileage. This fact makes the idea of

driving an electric car more appealing. By driving an electric car, people can drive further

without having to get gas and help to save the environment at the same time. To further the idea

that electric cars are better for the environment, Rapier also notes that, “the demand for fuel will

decrease”. As a result of this, there will be much less drilling that will ultimately, “benefit the

environment”. Drilling for fuel is terrible for the environment, and in order to help improve

conditions it should be stopped as soon as possible. With the addition benefits of driving an

electric car, it is clear that this is a solution to helping the environment that every person can take

part in.

To further that, as stated by the authors on energy.gov, electric vehicles produce fewer

emissions and, “smog than conventional vehicles”. Smog is a type of severe air pollution that has

great effects on the people and animals within the city. As stated by the article, utilizing electric

cars will help cut back on the harmful emissions that are produced by conventional vehicles. This

article has strong ethos because it is written by the government. People tend to listen to those in

power who have authority of them. By having the government talk about the harmful emissions

of regular cars, people are likely to see healthier options for themselves and their families.
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Making this switch to electric cars is a smart choice because the cars are eco-friendly and better

for the consumer and environment. In another article written by Colin Bielby, he makes the very

important claim that, “By running on a clean energy source, it [electric cars] does not emit any

smoke or toxic gases into the environment”. Due to the fact that electric cars do not emit harmful

chemicals into the air, they are a smarter and more efficient choice for those that want to help

improve the environment. Without the emission of disgusting elements like carbon, the air will

be cleaner. There will be less pollution and smog. According to an article written by Welle

Deutsche, electric cars, “don't emit climate damaging greenhouse gases or health-harming

nitrogen oxide”. This makes the idea of driving an electric more appealing because there will be

less pollution as a result. In addition, the author says that electric vehicles are, “quiet and easy-

to-operate”. On top of saving the environment, the electric cars are manageable and great for any

area of the community because they are quiet.

Electric cars are just the start to improving our environment. In an article written by Colin

Bielby, he introduces the idea of “Bike Fridays”. Here, he proposes the idea that, “electric cars

are becoming more common on the roads, bicycles are also being ridden more and more by

individuals committed to helping the environment”. In this case, the use of electric cars are

prompting others that do not have access to electric vehicles to find ways to help save the

environment. Like electric cars, bikes do not emit carbon and other harmful toxins. This makes

the idea appealing to those that have a strong desire to better the environment that we all

currently live in. In another article written by Welle Deutsche, he brings up the idea of the car’s

battery and what happens to it after the life of the car. In the article, he claims that, “At a number

of universities, scientists are developing ways to recycle reuse electric vehicle batteries”. In this

instance, electric cars are prompting drivers to recycle their old car batteries. After the life of the
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electric car has ended, the battery is still in usable shape. This means that the individuals can

help improve the environment by recycling, in addition to just driving an electric car. Overall,

the usage of electric cars prompts other positive changes. With more electric vehicles, comes

more people riding their bicycles and donating their old EV batteries to be recycled.

With that being said, making the switch to electric cars is the next best step for the

environment. Due to the smaller amount of carbon being released and less noise pollution,

electric vehicles are crucial and necessary in order to begin improving the environment. The

strong dangers of pollution given off by regular cars is stated in the same article written by Colin

Bielby. He makes the startling statement that, “air pollution is estimated to have an effect

equivalent to 29,000 deaths each year in the UK alone”. Despite the fact that this statement is

scary and not promising for the future, by making the switch to electric cars, one can expect this

number to decrease. With less carbon and smog being emitted and created in the air, the

pollution rates will begin to decrease, along with the number of related deaths each year. To

further the dangers of air pollution, Biebly also claims that it can cause, “increased anti-social

behavior and crime”. Air pollution as a result of regular cars negatively impacts the quality of

life for those that live in areas heavily affected by carbon emissions. Like Biebly said, this results

in major problems within the citizens that live within these areas. However, by making the

switch to electric cars the number of horrid pollutants in the air will decrease and improve the

environment, which will improve the quality of life in the end. It is evident that as a result of

switching to electric cars, the quality of life will improve, along with the environment.

In conclusion, electric cars are a great way to start improving the environment. With the

numbers of fossil fuels decreasing, and the number of air pollutants increasing at a rapid rate, it

is crucial that we find a solution. Many times, the small steps lead to big changes- the ones that
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result in major improvements. By making the switch to electric cars, each driver would be

contributing to less carbon and nitrogen oxide emissions, which are both deadly to the

environment. Also, EV driver would contribute to bettering the quality of life and reducing the

number of deaths as a result of the negative pollutants and smog in the air. Although the cars

must be charged every so often, and need to be charged more frequently if the driver likes to

accelerate, they are still a great option to begin to heal the environment and reduce the amount of

air pollutants. With an easily accessible and manageable car that is better for the environment,

the planet will soon see global warming stop, animals be taken off the near-extinction list, forests

become full of lush trees, and cities happier and healther. With that being said, it is clear that

making the switch to electric cars is the next best thing to do for our environment. Now, the only

thing to ask yourself is why aren't you driving an electric car?

Works Cited

Deutsche Welle. “How Eco-Friendly Are Electric Cars? | DW | 04.08.2017.” DW.COM,

Dave Keating, 8 Apr. 2017, www.dw.com/en/how-eco-friendly-are-electric-cars/a-19441437.

“How Environmentally Friendly Are Electric Cars?” Science Focus - BBC Focus

Magazine, www.sciencefocus.com/future-technology/how-environmentally-friendly-are-electric-

cars/.

Zoethout, Tseard. “Are Electric Vehicles Environmentally Friendly?” Elektor, 28 Feb. 2019,

www.elektormagazine.com/news/are-electric-vehicles-environmentally-friendly.
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“The Facts On Electric Vehicles: Interview with Pat Davis.” Department of Energy,

www.energy.gov/articles/facts-electric-vehicles-interview-pat-davis.

Colin Bielby. “Bicycles and Electric Cars SAVE the Environment. What's Your

Contribution?” Bike Fridays, 25 Nov. 2015, www.bikefridays.org/environment/bicycles-and-

electric-cars-save-the-environment/.

“Four Ways Hybrid Cars Can Help the Environment.” Charting The Dramatic Gas Price

Rise Over the Last Decade, www.energytrendsinsider.com/four-ways-hybrid-cars-can-help-the-

environment/.

“Reducing Pollution with Electric Vehicles.” Energy.gov, 2019,

www.energy.gov/eere/electricvehicles/reducing-pollution-electric-vehicles.