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Ever asked your friends why they went for an electric vehicle (EV)? Some will rave about the environmental benefits and reduced carbon emissions. Others will go on about the cost savings because – let’s face it – electricity is usually much cheaper than petrol.
There’s also the smooth quiet ride and instant torque. And of course, tech lovers who are all in for the latest gadgets and features. Everyone seems to have their own reasons for getting an eco friendly car.
But here’s the big question – or two: How green are electric cars? And is the production, ownership and use of electric cars better for the environment? More so than your average petrol one?Let’s find out.
Every time you turn the key and drive away in a petrol or diesel vehicle, waste happens. What do you think that is coming out the exhaust?
Petrol cars release carbon dioxide and other pollutants, clouding our atmosphere. With every trip, they add to the smog that blankets our cities and worsens climate change.
Did you know the average petrol car in the UK emits
EVs don't emit emissions while you drive. But their overall eco-friendliness depends on where the electricity to charge them comes from. If it's from fossil fuels, emissions will be there. Also, making and disposing of EVs, especially their big batteries, tends to ick up the environment.
PHEVs also emit emissions when they use petrol. So, the true environmental impact of EVs actually hinges on where their energy comes from and the whole lifecycle of the car.
As we shift toward cleaner energy and renewables, the emissions gap between petrol and electric vehicles will get bigger. How big – only time will tell.
Electric cars are getting a lot of buzz lately. And for good reason.
As we learn more about climate change, it’s super important to understand why EVs are the most environmentally friendly cars. From cutting down on pollution to saving energy, these beauts have the potential to massively greenwash our world.
Let’s deep-drive into EV eco-friendliness. And explore 10 reasons why they’re ace:
When EVs slow down, the car converts this wasted kinetic energy into electricity for the battery. This boosts your car’s range and efficiency, as well as:
Waste not, want not.
EVs are nature’s air purifiers on wheels.
Unlike petrol and diesel cars, which release harmful pollutants causing serious health issues like asthma, fully battery-powered electric vehicles don’t release anything. This shift toward greener transport works wonders in urban areas where air pollution is highest.
It’s true, sourcing the materials to create the batteries found in EVs hasn’t been the best. Environmentally speaking. According to reports, extracting the necessary minerals can lead to issues like soil and water contamination, affecting mining communities.
What does producing electric batteries really cost the Earth?
EV battery production has its own challenges. Still, there’s lots of progress being made. While mining for materials like lithium, cobalt, and nickel affects the environment, using renewable resources will cut back carbon emissions in the long run.
On that note, global regulations are constantly rolling out to help reduce the impact of mining on people and the planet. These changes include:
To address the above, some manufacturers are teaming up with mining communities and focusing on responsible sourcing techniques. This way, they can work together to reduce long-term reliance on key resources.
As an EV driver, charging stations are like your new best friends on the road, guiding you wherever you need to go. The good news is they're popping up everywhere. And rightly so. Whether you're grabbing a bite at Maccy D’s, picking up some DIY essentials at B&Q, or doing your weekly shop at Tesco, you'll likely find a charging station ready to power up your vehicle.
It's nice knowing that as the world shifts towards greener energy, these convenient charging spots are becoming more accessible, making your driving experience smoother and more enjoyable. So, next time you're out and about, keep an eye out for these handy stations.
They're there to keep you moving.
EVs are super-efficient when it comes to energy use. They convert around 60% of the electrical energy from the power grid – a network that delivers electricity from power plants to homes and businesses – into moving your car wheels. In contrast, petrol cars only use about 20% energy. This means EVs make much better use of the energy they receive, helping you go further for less.
Fun fact from the Union of Concerned Scientists. Did you know even in places without clean energy, electric vehicles still beat petrol cars when it comes to emissions over their lifetime?
Yes – EVs really do make a difference for the planet, wherever they are.
An EV is quieter than a petrol or diesel car. There isn’t the hum and splutter of a combustion engine, obviously. This means less sound pollution.
Imagine gliding through your neighbourhood without loud engines ruining the peace. You can chat easily without shouting. Or soak in the sweet sounds of birdsong.
By driving an EV, you’re not just helping the planet, you’re making the world a little more serene. Who knew going green could be so peaceful?
A quick heads up to all the future EV drivers out there: while you’ll enjoy the perks of no road tax now, things are set to change. From April 2025, anyone buying an EV over £40,000 will have to part with a few pennies here and there. The amount depends on your car’s age.
Here’s the breakdown:
Car Registration Date
First Year Tax
Second Year + Tax
On or after 1st April 2025
£10
£165
After 1st April 2017
1st March 2001 – 31st March 2017
£20 (Band B)
There are lots of ways to pay your road tax. Most people do it online via GOV.UK. But you can do it over the phone or at your local post office too.
To get started, find the reference number in your vehicle logbook (V5C). If you don’t have it, you’ll need to apply for a new logbook.
EVs are way quieter than diesel and petrol cars, making your ride super comfy. With just 'drive,' 'reverse,' and 'park' to worry about, you can forget about those pesky gear changes.
This means you only need to think about braking and accelerating, which makes driving a lot less stressful, especially in busy areas with traffic lights and queues. Stuck on the M25? Cruising in an EV makes the trip a whole lot smoother.
All electric motors come with instant torque, so when you hit that accelerator, you'll feel an immediate burst of speed.
This is perfect for pulling onto busy roads or zipping through traffic. Plus, thanks to regenerative braking, you can regain some charge when you ease off the rev.
The EV battery pack is usually located in the car's floor, giving it great balance and weight distribution. This makes handling corners and roundabouts a breeze, with hardly any roll at all.
EVs are super simple under the hood, with just three main components:
This means less damage, and fewer parts that can break down. Meaning you won't need to service your EV very often. And when repairs do come up, they're usually pretty minor.
Electric vehicles are really keeping their value these days. Batteries last longer, and the used EV car market is buzzing, especially now with the petrol and diesel car sales ban kicking in from 2030.
Plus, with the government's plan to go fully electric by 2040 and hit net-zero carbon by 2050, the demand for used EVs will likely stay strong.
Usually, they’ll stick around for 5 - 8 eight years. But according to predictions, they’re set to shoot up to 20. That’s quite some leap.
Think of batteries as a plant. The more you water them, the longer they’ll last. Of course, proper charging and maintenance boosts battery life. But there are lots more steps you can take to make sure your BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) goes the distance. Such as:
The UK is increasing its use of renewable energy, like wind turbines, to build a sustainable future. However, creating solar and wind farms requires significant energy and resources, raising concerns about their overall environmental impact. Although cleaner than fossil fuels, there's lots of chatter around how green renewables truly are, especially when you look at everything from making them to getting them up and running.
EVs have so much more to offer than just being eco-friendly—they come packed with the latest tech and give you a super chilled ride. Plus, you'll love the lower running costs and less maintenance, all while doing your bit to protect the planet.
Check out these awesome ways to go green:
Great question. While more people charging EVs puts added pressure on the grid, the shift is positive if we focus on renewable energy sources. Think of it this way. The more EVs we plug in, the more we’re asking people to invest in clean power.
Besides, energy grids are getting smarter by using smart meters and automation to keep everything running smoothly. They’re like energy detectives, quickly spotting outages and cleverly juggling solar and wind power. With their balancing act, they ensure we get reliable energy without a hitch.
These grid upgrades are paving the way for a greener future, all while keeping things as smooth as your favourite playlist
The debates around how green cars are better for the environment aren’t simple. While electric vehicles benefit the environment from an operational perspective, the challenges of resource extraction mustn’t be overlooked.
Battery production is tricky. Sure. But the need for cleaner, healthier air is undeniable.
Imagine cruising down an open road, windows down, wind in your hair – knowing you’ve done your bit to save the planet. It’s not just driving. It’s a bold step towards a brighter future.
Ready to shrink your electric car carbon footprint? Drive into a greener future with our complete range of EVs today.
More EV advice from TrustFord
Why buy an electric vehicle
Best eco-friendly cars and other ways to go green
Electric and hybrid: frequently asked questions