The Essential Role of Electric Vehicles in the Climate Battle

Cars play an undeniable role in the global warming crisis. The Union of Concerned Scientists reports that cars account for about 20% of all carbon emissions. Fortunately, new generations of vehicles are helping slow the onset of climate change.

Electric Cars and their Role in Fighting Global Warming

Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular in the United States and the UK. One of the biggest reasons that electric vehicles are gaining popularity is that the United States Department of Energy says they are important for quelling the rise in climate change risks. In fact, there are now more than 100 different types of electric car to choose from. So, if you still don’t know quite how it all works when it comes to the world of these high-tech machines, read on and all will soon become clear….

A new era for electric vehicles

No longer the stuff of Sci-fi films or the preserve of bright boffins tinkering away in back rooms, the electric vehicle is now well established and is becoming a familiar sight on our roads. There were 1.2 million electric cars in 2016 and that figure is probably a lot higher today. It’s really not a niche choice of vehicle anymore either – the electric cars of today are just as stylish as their petrol and diesel cousins, if not even more so.

Indeed, a quick study of the motoring market will reveal that most of the major international car manufacturers are now turning out some really good-looking models, such as MG and their new ZS EV that really makes quite an impression in the Pimlico Blue metallic finish.

What are electric and hybrid cars?

Before you go rushing off to buy one, let’s just get clear on what these cars actually are. The term “electric car” or “electric vehicle” (EV for short) can mean one of two things. It’s either a car that runs completely on electricity, or a car that runs on a combination of electricity and petrol, or sometimes diesel. The ones that do a combination are called “hybrid cars”. All of these cars are good for the environment and can lower your carbon footprint, but you need to do your research.

How do these cars work?

You probably don’t want to get too lost in the really technical details, so we will keep this part brief. Electric cars work by running off a really big battery. You plug your car in and you let it charge up just as you plug in your phone or  laptop. (You might have seen these charge points round and about the place – in supermarket carparks and at the side of the road, for instance). Then, when the battery is charged up, you go on your way and don’t even bother to think about it.

As far as you’re concerned, when it comes to the driving itself –the stopping, starting and general manoeuvring – it’s just like driving a traditional petrol or diesel vehicle. Don’t worry – you certainly don’t need to do another driving test or get any extra qualifications to drive an electric vehicle.

Types of electric vehicle and benefits

Apart from the main category difference that we talked about above – the difference between completely electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles – there are various types of electric vehicle to choose from. You’ll find hatchbacks, SUVs and even little run-arounds for the city. There are plenty of used electric vehicles available too that are ideal if you don’t feel you want to splash the cash on a brand new one.

There are various benefits of electric vehicles, from doing your bit to cut down on the damage we cause to the environment and fighting global warming, to saving money on those day-to-day costs of running your car. You can even get a grant from the government towards your purchase!

Fight Climate Change with an Electric Car

There are a lot of ways that you can do your part to fight climate change. One of the best ways to save the environment is switch to an electric vehicle.