Many households use a car to get around, it’s just a fact of life. But, unfortunately, your vehicle might also be responsible for a huge amount of your carbon footprint. Most cars use fossil fuels to run, and depending on how much you drive and what kind of vehicle you use, this can contribute massively to the emission of greenhouse gasses.
So, what can you do about it?
There are a few changes you can make to reduce your carbon footprint and be more eco-friendly. You could work from home instead of commuting to work. You could use other methods of transportation, like public transport or cycling.
Another option is to switch to an electric vehicle.
Benefits of Electric Vehicles
The most significant benefit of using an electric vehicle is that you can be more environmentally friendly when driving. Unlike other cars, an electric car produces no emissions at all, so it’s a very clean way to travel. Even when factoring in the mining, production, and use of an electric vehicle, their carbon footprint is smaller than that of an internal combustion car.
Electric vehicles are also the cars of the future. Many governments are considering or have already implemented laws that restrict the use of traditional fuelled cars, including clean emission areas or restricting the sale of new fuelled vehicles in a few years.
Many companies have switched to using electric vehicles in their fleets, in part for these reasons.
As more companies adopt EVs, the demand for reliable and scalable charging options continues to grow, making such installations a key component of sustainable fleet management. This shift not only supports environmental goals but also helps businesses stay ahead of evolving regulations and market trends.
Your EV Batteries
The most important, expensive, and limiting part of any electric vehicle is the battery. Every car has a battery to run its computer and other electrical components, but the battery of an electric car runs the car itself and allows it to get from place to place.
In past years, batteries have been very limited, only allowing people to drive for a short time before needing to be charged. However, modern EV batteries are more advanced and last for far longer before needing to be charged and eventually replaced. Many Teslas have been on the road for over a decade, with minimal wear and tear on the battery pack.
Regardless, always check the battery specs before buying an electric car.
Charging Your Vehicle
As mentioned before, your car will need to be charged. This doesn’t have to take long, which is great when you’re making a long journey. Charging points are more common than they used to be, but it’s still a good idea to plan your route and make sure you can charge it along the way.
The main benefit of charging, is that it can be done at home. 90% of EV drivers in the US charge at home, making things far more convenient than going to a petrol station. Indeed, charging at home is akin to your cellphone. You charge at night when you’re sleeping, and awake to a full charge the next day.
When publicly charging, you should always consider EV charging etiquette to be fair to other drivers. Make sure you’re aware of the type of chargers along your journey. This is especially important when you’re in areas with limited charging points.
Cost and Expenses
Like any car, your EV will come with costs and expenses. Some cars, like Teslas and Lucids are more expensive than others. However, many budget choices exist, including a handful of EVs that start at $35,000 or less.
Even better, many automakers offer aggressive EV leases, which can be cheaper than most ICE vehicle leases.
Consider your budget and the running costs of the car.
You will obviously save on fuel, but look into the maintenance costs of the vehicle you’re researching, as well as other costs that could impact your budget.
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