Driving towards a greener tomorrow: The environmental benefits of electric vehicles

In a world that’s constantly being transformed by our collective pursuit of sustainability, the ride we choose can be a game-changer. Enter Electric Vehicles (EVs), not just a mode of transport but a revolutionary stride towards a sustainable and eco-friendly tomorrow.

Aren’t we all just looking for ways to lessen our impact on the environment and save a penny or two at the same time? Cleaner commutes have become a simple and affordable way to leave our mark, without it being that much more damaging. In fact, research has shown that electric vehicles are far more environmentally friendly - trumping their petrol and diesel counterparts in the sustainability race. 

And that friends, is what we’re all here to do - and today, we’ll show you how! 

So, are EVs really that much better for the environment?

The short answer? Yes! But we know you’re here for the details, so here’s a little something for you to consider. The biggest environmental selling point of EVs is the significant contribution that they can make towards improving our air quality.  Electric cars gracefully glide without leaving a carbon footprint. With no tailpipe tales, they dance through city air, reducing pollution dramatically. They’re an accessible solution to cleaner streets, creating a sanctuary for pedestrians, cyclists, and residents (the non-human kind too). In a year, just one electric car becomes a green hero, saving a staggering 1.5 million grams of CO2 – equivalent to four round-trip flights from London to Barcelona. Air pollution aside, EVs also help with reducing noise pollution, particularly in cities where speeds are kept to a minimum. This benefit is so significant that the UK government and its local councils aim to accelerate the number of EVs on the road - setting a target to completely eliminate the sale of petrol and diesel cars by 2035. 

What about the production?

Manufacturing electric cars is akin to crafting a masterpiece – it demands energy.

• Production insights: Building an electric car, with its essence encapsulated in batteries, initially raises energy use and emissions. More than 70% of an electric car's lifetime CO2 emissions occur during its creation. Yet, this isn't a static scenario. As technology advances, manufacturing becomes more efficient. Advanced techniques promise a cleaner rise from the production curtain. 

While people have raised concern over the mining of minerals for the manufacturing of EV batteries, it is important to remember that 80-90% of those mined metal will be reused – giving way to an extraction-free future. 

• Sustainable practices: Enter the sustainability phase – the world of reusing and recycling batteries. The focus is on the growing market for second-hand batteries. Researchers are exploring ways to repurpose these powerhouses in innovations like electricity storage. Envision a future where every home becomes a stage for energy-storing batteries, and opportunities like these dim the spotlight on the environmental impact of battery creation.

• Environmental considerations: Let's broaden the perspective. Even with the intricate battery manufacturing process, electric cars remain a greener option. Why? The substantial reduction in emissions throughout the car's lifetime takes the spotlight. In the Egg universe, we believe in a symphony where sustainability resonates the strongest.

And the electricity that we use to charge the EVs?

If you have a green energy tariff, then you can be sure that your car is being charged with 100% renewable energy. Research by the European Agency has found that even with the impact of electricity generation while charging, the carbon emissions of an EV are still between 17 - 30% lower than driving a petrol or diesel car. This would be reduced even further with the use of low-carbon, or renewable energy! 

As we continue our collective journey towards a sustainable future, electric vehicles emerge as a beacon of hope, promising cleaner air, quieter streets, and a reduced carbon footprint. While the initial manufacturing process and electricity generation of EVs may raise some concerns about the innovation’s overall environmental impact, these small drawbacks cannot be compared to the massive emissions reductions that the new-age EV offers. 

By embracing electric vehicles, we can actively contribute to a healthier planet for generations to come. Let's make the shift towards EVs today and pave the way for a greener tomorrow, one ride at a time!

Start your EV journey with Egg today by shopping for your charger with us today.