Paper reference: The pollution output of electronic cars
Feb 25, 2014 23:35:59 GMT -6
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Post by Michell on Feb 25, 2014 23:35:59 GMT -6
I. Introduction
With the increase in environmental consciousness, the consumers’ demand for greener goods and services has increased and, with pollution policies, producers demand for better technologies that lead to lower levels of pollutants with output has also. The desire to reduce air pollution has grown; with more people becoming aware of the effects of Global Warming on the world’s climate, ecosystems, and general health of individuals. People currently are focusing on is the use of electric vehicles that emit almost no air pollution at the point of use as a way to reduce carbon dioxide levels. Though this is true, how does the source of the energy affect the level of carbon dioxide output? What about the non-air pollution output of these cars? Such questions have been the focus of environmentalist and policymakers alike debating whether electronic cars are more harmful to the environment or that they are the answer to the questions of how to reduce the environmental impact of commuting and travel.
II. Article Reviews
` In a recent article, The University of Tennessee did a study on the effects on the air quality from the use of electric vehicles in China. This study concluded that because coal was the main fuel source used by most power plants in the country, that the use of these cars actually caused more harm than a combustion engine; however, the study also including electric bikes and revealed that their use did have a positive impact on air quality. An earlier article published in 1995, discussed the use of electric cars and all the negative impacts on the overall state of the environment and expressed how it was inefficient to reduce pollution using electric powered vehicles. Scientists have come a long way since then, but it does not render the concerns of the 1990s any less relevant even though with the induction of newer technological advances the sources of these pollutions discussed are reduced.
III. Overview
Though most people can agree that the quality of air is an important concern, it should not be the only focus when considering the pollution output associated with vehicles. There are other sources of pollutants that should be considered such as; tires, batteries, production emissions, replacement parts, and end life recyclability. Another question concerning the use of electric power vehicles is the effects of increased pollution on the surrounding areas of power plants.
IV. Energy Sources and Pollutants
The efficiency of reducing CO2 emissions by using an electronic car for transportation instead of a combustion engine or gas powered vehicle depends on its source of power. There are six main sources power is generated from; sunlight, wind, water, nuclear, biomass, and fossil fuels. From these six fossil fuels are the ones to produce higher co2 emissions during production of power and are the most common source of electricity in the United states according to the graph by US DOE. The efficiency that this is done is dependent on the technology available when the power plant was built and last updated. Currently coal power plants on average produce the highest level of CO2 in the United States at 1050 grams/kwh. An electric car can traveling 100 miles from a coal source will produce 31.21 kg of co2 where as a gas combustion engine of similar make will produce only 28.2 kg of co2. (Saxton.org). However, the production of CO2 emissions drops as other sources that are considered “green” and coal plants that have installed filters(though less than two kg) are used to power electric vehicles. The next largest source of energy comes from nuclear power plants.
Nuclear power is considered a “green” source of power because it produces few CO2 emissions and is highly efficient. Once acclaimed that a small portion could power an entire cruise ship for four years, it seemed like the perfect power source; however once it has been used the nuclear waste must be removed and stored because it is highly toxic. The cost of storing this waste is likely to increase because its decay rate is over tens of thousands of years (world nuclear). It also poses a high threat to the environment if a spill were to occur; Japans cities for example where the atomic bomb was dropped still possesses high levels of radiation and more individuals living in the area suffer from health problems associated with it. Nuclear power may be categorized as a green source but does not compare to “truly green” energy sources.
Power that is harnessed from natures natural resources such as wind, light, and water are the most green energy sources currently known. Though not all locations of communities can harness these three sources to fuel their community, they are the most efficient way to produce energy at the price of fewer pollutants. Electric powered vehicles using one of these for their primary source of energy are the most efficient at reducing CO2 from use and are much greener than combustion engines by far in this category. Air pollution is not the only kind to be concerned with, though.
V. Thread Life & Road
One disadvantage of the electric vehicle is how fast it wears down the thread on tires in comparison to gas powered vehicles of similar proportions and capacities. The Ford Focus 2013 for example has a gas powered version and a completely electric version of the vehicle. The weight of the gas 2960 lbs. and the electric 3640 lbs., this is a 680 lbs. difference. If the same tires were to be placed on each car, due to friction to accelerate and decelerate the vehicles the threads will wear, the vehicle that has the greater weight will wear the treads out more quickly. The heaviness of the vehicle will not only use more tires that will be disposed of in landfills if not recycled will also cause greater wear on roads because of the increased weight that electric vehicles have because of the heavy battery packs. The battery packs affect the weight of the car increasing tire and road wear but this is not their only effects of the efficiency to produce fewer pollutants that harm the earth and its ecosystems.
VI. Production & Maintenance
Production and maintenance of vehicles can be a large source for pollutants. The production of electric vehicles in comparison to combustion engine vehicles has been found to produce more toxic waste in production in comparison to the average factory according to an article on BBC.co.uk. The benefit of the electric car however is that maintenance much less extensive.
A gas powered car must undergo regular oil and filter changes, replacement of plugs, and more. Unlike a gas powered vehicle, an electric car does not need oil changes and there are few parts to replace during its lifetime. One major disadvantage to consumers and the environment is the need to replace the large expensive battery packs that power the car. The frequency will depend on how often the owner charges the vehicle and travels annually. A driver driving less than 7500 miles has an estimated battery life of seven years. A gas powered vehicle will likely go through batteries at a faster pace, but the packs are also much smaller than those for electric vehicles. Both vehicles have their benefits and costs to the environment and society, the question remains that should the pollutants from the use of electric vehicles be monitored.
VII. Government Policy
The use of electric vehicles can control where air emission pollutants are emitted. For larger cities there is a benefit to this ability, but others will suffer if the source of fuel is not environmentally friendly. The surrounding populace residing near power plants will be effected from higher levels of CO2 being produced in the area. The question remains that should these individuals receive some form of compensation for the increased level of atmospheric pollutants or land and water pollution. If it is believed, than who should pay the individuals. Owners of plants would likely push the cost onto consumers which not all drive electric vehicles. Should the individuals who drive such vehicles be reprimanded and charged a fee or tax to compensate individuals in the area of the power source. If this course of action was chosen how the location of where a user plugs in be monitored and taxed accordingly based on the power plants energy source. There are other questions on environmental policy and compensation that should be considered when contemplating the efficiency of the electric car’s efficiency of reducing pollutants.
VIII. Conclusion
The efficiency of the electric vehicle to reduce pollution may depend on the source of the power plants power source. Though the vehicle can reduce air pollution in comparison to gas vehicles, it is at the cost of other forms of pollutants that gas vehicles produce less of from use. More research should be done to assess the long term effect of an increase in electric vehicle use on roads, the increased use of batteries, and overall maintenance costs to determine the exact efficiency of reducing environmental pollution. The increase in pollutions near power plants from the use of electric vehicles effects on surrounding communities should also be assessed and a policy set in place that would compensate or reduce the emission levels. At this point in time, scientists appear to have more work ahead of them to reduce the other forms of pollutants from use of electric vehicles in order for them to truly become more ecofriendly.
IX. Reference
"Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles." Alternative Fuels Data Center:. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Apr. 2013. <http://www.afdc.energy.gov/vehicles/electric_basics_phev.html>.
Stenquist, PAUL. "How Green Are Electric Cars? Depends on Where You Plug In." New York Times. N.p., n.d. Web. <www.nytimes.com>.
"Electric Cars--How Much Does It Cost per Charge?: Scientific American." Electric Cars--How Much Does It Cost per Charge?: Scientific American. N.p., n.d. Web. 9 Mar. 2013. <http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=electric-cars-cost-per-charge>.
Parks, Denhome, and Markel. "Costs and Emissions Associated with Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle Charging in the Xcel Energy Colorado Service Territory." NREL, n.d. Web. 4 Apr. 2013. <Costs and Emissions Associated with Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle Charging in the Xcel Energy Colorado Service Territory>.
"Average Annual Miles per Driver by Age Group." Average Annual Miles per Driver by Age Group. N.p., n.d. Web. 4 Apr. 2013. <http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/ohim/onh00/bar8.htm>.
"Electric Car Pollution." Electric Car Pollution. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Apr. 2013. <http://www.evsroll.com/Electric_Car_Pollution.html>.
"Electric Vehicle Efficiency Analysis." Electric Vehicle Efficiency Analysis. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Apr. 2013.<http://www.saxton.org/EV/efficiency.php>
"Radioactive Wastes - Myths and Realities." : World Nuclear Association. N.p., 2012. Web. 29 Apr. 2013. <http://www.world-nuclear.org/info/Nuclear-Fuel-Cycle/Nuclear-Wastes/Radioactive-Wastes---Myths-and-Realities/>.
Park, Alice. "Healthland.time.com." Healthland.time.com. Time, 2012. Web. 29 Apr. 2013. <http://healthland.time.com.hostlogr.com/>
Ford Motors. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Apr. 2013. <http://www.ford.com/cars/focus/specifications/exterior/>.
"Electric Cars Pose Enviromental Threat." BBC News. BBC, 5 Oct. 2012. Web. 29 Apr. 2013. <http://www.bbc.co.uk/>.
With the increase in environmental consciousness, the consumers’ demand for greener goods and services has increased and, with pollution policies, producers demand for better technologies that lead to lower levels of pollutants with output has also. The desire to reduce air pollution has grown; with more people becoming aware of the effects of Global Warming on the world’s climate, ecosystems, and general health of individuals. People currently are focusing on is the use of electric vehicles that emit almost no air pollution at the point of use as a way to reduce carbon dioxide levels. Though this is true, how does the source of the energy affect the level of carbon dioxide output? What about the non-air pollution output of these cars? Such questions have been the focus of environmentalist and policymakers alike debating whether electronic cars are more harmful to the environment or that they are the answer to the questions of how to reduce the environmental impact of commuting and travel.
II. Article Reviews
` In a recent article, The University of Tennessee did a study on the effects on the air quality from the use of electric vehicles in China. This study concluded that because coal was the main fuel source used by most power plants in the country, that the use of these cars actually caused more harm than a combustion engine; however, the study also including electric bikes and revealed that their use did have a positive impact on air quality. An earlier article published in 1995, discussed the use of electric cars and all the negative impacts on the overall state of the environment and expressed how it was inefficient to reduce pollution using electric powered vehicles. Scientists have come a long way since then, but it does not render the concerns of the 1990s any less relevant even though with the induction of newer technological advances the sources of these pollutions discussed are reduced.
III. Overview
Though most people can agree that the quality of air is an important concern, it should not be the only focus when considering the pollution output associated with vehicles. There are other sources of pollutants that should be considered such as; tires, batteries, production emissions, replacement parts, and end life recyclability. Another question concerning the use of electric power vehicles is the effects of increased pollution on the surrounding areas of power plants.
IV. Energy Sources and Pollutants
The efficiency of reducing CO2 emissions by using an electronic car for transportation instead of a combustion engine or gas powered vehicle depends on its source of power. There are six main sources power is generated from; sunlight, wind, water, nuclear, biomass, and fossil fuels. From these six fossil fuels are the ones to produce higher co2 emissions during production of power and are the most common source of electricity in the United states according to the graph by US DOE. The efficiency that this is done is dependent on the technology available when the power plant was built and last updated. Currently coal power plants on average produce the highest level of CO2 in the United States at 1050 grams/kwh. An electric car can traveling 100 miles from a coal source will produce 31.21 kg of co2 where as a gas combustion engine of similar make will produce only 28.2 kg of co2. (Saxton.org). However, the production of CO2 emissions drops as other sources that are considered “green” and coal plants that have installed filters(though less than two kg) are used to power electric vehicles. The next largest source of energy comes from nuclear power plants.
Nuclear power is considered a “green” source of power because it produces few CO2 emissions and is highly efficient. Once acclaimed that a small portion could power an entire cruise ship for four years, it seemed like the perfect power source; however once it has been used the nuclear waste must be removed and stored because it is highly toxic. The cost of storing this waste is likely to increase because its decay rate is over tens of thousands of years (world nuclear). It also poses a high threat to the environment if a spill were to occur; Japans cities for example where the atomic bomb was dropped still possesses high levels of radiation and more individuals living in the area suffer from health problems associated with it. Nuclear power may be categorized as a green source but does not compare to “truly green” energy sources.
Power that is harnessed from natures natural resources such as wind, light, and water are the most green energy sources currently known. Though not all locations of communities can harness these three sources to fuel their community, they are the most efficient way to produce energy at the price of fewer pollutants. Electric powered vehicles using one of these for their primary source of energy are the most efficient at reducing CO2 from use and are much greener than combustion engines by far in this category. Air pollution is not the only kind to be concerned with, though.
V. Thread Life & Road
One disadvantage of the electric vehicle is how fast it wears down the thread on tires in comparison to gas powered vehicles of similar proportions and capacities. The Ford Focus 2013 for example has a gas powered version and a completely electric version of the vehicle. The weight of the gas 2960 lbs. and the electric 3640 lbs., this is a 680 lbs. difference. If the same tires were to be placed on each car, due to friction to accelerate and decelerate the vehicles the threads will wear, the vehicle that has the greater weight will wear the treads out more quickly. The heaviness of the vehicle will not only use more tires that will be disposed of in landfills if not recycled will also cause greater wear on roads because of the increased weight that electric vehicles have because of the heavy battery packs. The battery packs affect the weight of the car increasing tire and road wear but this is not their only effects of the efficiency to produce fewer pollutants that harm the earth and its ecosystems.
VI. Production & Maintenance
Production and maintenance of vehicles can be a large source for pollutants. The production of electric vehicles in comparison to combustion engine vehicles has been found to produce more toxic waste in production in comparison to the average factory according to an article on BBC.co.uk. The benefit of the electric car however is that maintenance much less extensive.
A gas powered car must undergo regular oil and filter changes, replacement of plugs, and more. Unlike a gas powered vehicle, an electric car does not need oil changes and there are few parts to replace during its lifetime. One major disadvantage to consumers and the environment is the need to replace the large expensive battery packs that power the car. The frequency will depend on how often the owner charges the vehicle and travels annually. A driver driving less than 7500 miles has an estimated battery life of seven years. A gas powered vehicle will likely go through batteries at a faster pace, but the packs are also much smaller than those for electric vehicles. Both vehicles have their benefits and costs to the environment and society, the question remains that should the pollutants from the use of electric vehicles be monitored.
VII. Government Policy
The use of electric vehicles can control where air emission pollutants are emitted. For larger cities there is a benefit to this ability, but others will suffer if the source of fuel is not environmentally friendly. The surrounding populace residing near power plants will be effected from higher levels of CO2 being produced in the area. The question remains that should these individuals receive some form of compensation for the increased level of atmospheric pollutants or land and water pollution. If it is believed, than who should pay the individuals. Owners of plants would likely push the cost onto consumers which not all drive electric vehicles. Should the individuals who drive such vehicles be reprimanded and charged a fee or tax to compensate individuals in the area of the power source. If this course of action was chosen how the location of where a user plugs in be monitored and taxed accordingly based on the power plants energy source. There are other questions on environmental policy and compensation that should be considered when contemplating the efficiency of the electric car’s efficiency of reducing pollutants.
VIII. Conclusion
The efficiency of the electric vehicle to reduce pollution may depend on the source of the power plants power source. Though the vehicle can reduce air pollution in comparison to gas vehicles, it is at the cost of other forms of pollutants that gas vehicles produce less of from use. More research should be done to assess the long term effect of an increase in electric vehicle use on roads, the increased use of batteries, and overall maintenance costs to determine the exact efficiency of reducing environmental pollution. The increase in pollutions near power plants from the use of electric vehicles effects on surrounding communities should also be assessed and a policy set in place that would compensate or reduce the emission levels. At this point in time, scientists appear to have more work ahead of them to reduce the other forms of pollutants from use of electric vehicles in order for them to truly become more ecofriendly.
IX. Reference
"Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles." Alternative Fuels Data Center:. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Apr. 2013. <http://www.afdc.energy.gov/vehicles/electric_basics_phev.html>.
Stenquist, PAUL. "How Green Are Electric Cars? Depends on Where You Plug In." New York Times. N.p., n.d. Web. <www.nytimes.com>.
"Electric Cars--How Much Does It Cost per Charge?: Scientific American." Electric Cars--How Much Does It Cost per Charge?: Scientific American. N.p., n.d. Web. 9 Mar. 2013. <http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=electric-cars-cost-per-charge>.
Parks, Denhome, and Markel. "Costs and Emissions Associated with Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle Charging in the Xcel Energy Colorado Service Territory." NREL, n.d. Web. 4 Apr. 2013. <Costs and Emissions Associated with Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle Charging in the Xcel Energy Colorado Service Territory>.
"Average Annual Miles per Driver by Age Group." Average Annual Miles per Driver by Age Group. N.p., n.d. Web. 4 Apr. 2013. <http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/ohim/onh00/bar8.htm>.
"Electric Car Pollution." Electric Car Pollution. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Apr. 2013. <http://www.evsroll.com/Electric_Car_Pollution.html>.
"Electric Vehicle Efficiency Analysis." Electric Vehicle Efficiency Analysis. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Apr. 2013.<http://www.saxton.org/EV/efficiency.php>
"Radioactive Wastes - Myths and Realities." : World Nuclear Association. N.p., 2012. Web. 29 Apr. 2013. <http://www.world-nuclear.org/info/Nuclear-Fuel-Cycle/Nuclear-Wastes/Radioactive-Wastes---Myths-and-Realities/>.
Park, Alice. "Healthland.time.com." Healthland.time.com. Time, 2012. Web. 29 Apr. 2013. <http://healthland.time.com.hostlogr.com/>
Ford Motors. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Apr. 2013. <http://www.ford.com/cars/focus/specifications/exterior/>.
"Electric Cars Pose Enviromental Threat." BBC News. BBC, 5 Oct. 2012. Web. 29 Apr. 2013. <http://www.bbc.co.uk/>.