Vehicles can use various sources of energy which are: natural gas, electric, hydrogen, and fuel cell. The three types of electric vehicles are those: directly powered from external power station; powered by external power source; and those powered by internal power generators (Georganio, 2008). The presentation will discuss the environmental and economic pros and cons of electric vehicles. It will conclude with a statement as to why they have the least impact on environment, and cost effective.
EV’s have more advantages to the environment with the major ones being: minimal green house gases emissions that cause global warming; better control of air pollution; absence of noise pollution; and reduced usage of fossil fuels which is non-renewable (Gellings, 2011). The few disadvantages of EV’s can be identified as: more energy to be manufactured; and EV’s usage leading to more electricity plants being set up especially coal plants which contribute to pollution (Gellings, 2011).
They are economical in the sense that: they consume less energy per hour to combustion engines; cheaper to operate (Sandalow, 2009); greatest degree of energy resilience; and can be used to supplement electric power when they are plugged in the grid. Economic disadvantage is that: they require frequent recharging hence not useful for long distance travelling; consume more energy in cold climates; and are costly in manufacturing and designing (Sandalow, 2009).
Of all the vehicles, electric cars have the least impact on environment since they have minimum emissions that pollute the environment. They are also cost effective when operating using 2 cents per mile (DASH). However, the limitation of EV in travelling short distances can be solved by using hybrid cars which are cars that blend combustion and electric engines.
References
Gellings, C.W. (2011). Saving Energy and Reducing CO2 Emissions with Electricity. London: Fairmont Press. Pp. 63-105
Georganio, N. (2008). Electric Cars. Haverford-West: Osprey Publishing. Pp. 1-32
Sandalow, D. (2009). Plug-in Electric Vehicles: what role for Washington. Washington DC: Brookings Institution. Pp. 1-22
