Electric cars are touted as green and environmentally friendly cars, and they are—but not in the U.S. When electric car makers talk about the environmental benefits of electric vehicles, they always fail to mention the source of that power.
Charging Your Car with Fossil Fuels
Fossil fuels still account for almost 80 percent of energy production in the U.S. Unless your car is entirely sun-powered, it’s burning fossil fuels at a less efficient rate. You’ll need specialized contractors to build you an active solar energy system that can manage your car’s energy needs. That’s the only way your car gets off the fossil-burning energy grid and indeed becomes a zero-emission car.
Go Solar
As science advances, solar energy systems have become less expensive. New materials and technology have made solar panels more efficient and more sustainable. A 6-kilowatt solar energy system can provide the necessary electricity for an average household, including charging an electric car. These systems can cost from $15,000 to $20,000, but they can completely sever your reliance on the grid. Efficient solar energy systems usually pay for themselves in ten years. During those ten years, you won’t be paying for electricity. In fact, the government might be paying you for your energy generation. An outside source of electricity also makes you immune to rising energy costs and keeps your home powered in cases of serious emergencies that can affect the grid.
Electric Cars in Other Countries
Although electric cars aren’t that environmentally-friendly in the U.S., they are in some countries. Iceland, Costa Rica, and Norway are some of the top countries in producing renewable energy. Whether it’s by harnessing hydro-power, solar, geothermal, or wind energy, these countries have stopped using fossil fuels. Electric cars are perfect for these countries. Electric cars will reduce smoke pollution in cities and reflect their governments’ policies on lowering—if not eliminating—the use of fossil fuels.
Green Energy in the U.S.
Though President Obama instituted several policies that would make the U.S. a more environmentally-friendly country, the election of President Trump put things on hold. Though President Trump’s strategies have reinvigorated the economy, environmental protections and regulations have been downgraded or suspended. The Obama presidency has shown that environmental controls have adverse effects on economic growth. Switching to renewable energy cannot be forced, and penalizing industry is not the answer. Following the commercial success after Trump’s deregulations, succeeding politicians will be hesitant to impose extensive environmental regulations. Relying on the government for change is not the answer. An individual effort in making changes is a more viable solution, and it is a change that can be done instantly.
Your electric car is not environmentally friendly, but it can be. Using a renewable energy source can make your car greener and save you from rising electric costs. Don’t wait for the government to cut ties with big oil companies and adopt real environmental policies. Do it on your own. Get your energy needs from the sun and stop your electric car form using fossil fuel.
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