The environmental benefits of choosing an electric car

As a cleaner, more sustainable alternative to petrol, electric vehicles are an important step towards a future of ecologically-responsible transportation. Let’s take a look at just some of the numerous benefits involved in electric vehicle ownership, and explore why it could be a worthwhile investment for you.

Illustration of man plugging in an elecric car into a charging point

Zero exhaust emissions

While traditional petrol or diesel engines create energy at the expense of releasing environmentally-damaging carbon into the atmosphere—with an electric vehicle, that doesn’t require an exhaust system to operate, the total emissions are a reassuring zero.

The batteries found in electric vehicles are 100% emission-free. These batteries, typically lithium-ion, can be drained and charged again without ever adding to the air pollution problem.

Although some electric charging stations are still powered by coal-burning power plants, particularly in those countries that still rely heavily on traditional fossil fuels for power, the majority in the UK use clean, renewable energy.

Evergreen supply a wide range of EV chargers—including the myenergi Zappi. This British-designed smart device allows users to charge their electric car with the leftover energy created by their already-installed PV panels or wind turbines. Coupled with a solar PV system, you can even charge your car with your own 100% free green electricity. The perfect blend of intelligent, innovative engineering and ecologically sustainable performance.

Electric car on charge, with screen showing amount of battery charge

Clean electric vehicle battery

Although the contribution to air pollution is minimal when electric vehicles are out on the road, irresponsible EV battery production can have a considerably negative impact on the environment. Indeed, the overwhelming majority of carbon emissions associated with electric vehicle ownership can be found in the battery production process itself.

With electric vehicles still being a relatively new technology, regulations are fairly inconsistent in the battery-making industry. The knock-on effect of this lack of clarity within the guidelines is an increase of carbon emissions.

Thankfully, things are beginning to change. Today, the carbon footprint involved in electric vehicle battery production is up to 3 times less than it was two years ago, and the effects lessen each year.

Meanwhile, electric vehicle manufacturers are beginning to enforce strict policies for their battery suppliers. Often they will demand that only renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar PV, are used during production. These green solutions can provide the energy needed to build EV batteries without the need for harmful emissions.

Recycling symbol overlaid on tree canopy

Eco-friendly materials

One of the challenges faced by EV companies is to create practical, lightweight vehicles. Lighter electric vehicles are able to travel further using less energy, thus generating a smaller carbon footprint. With traditional materials, it’s not so easy to achieve these functional and eco-friendly objectives. But, with the advancement in technology, recycled materials are now conducive to producing lightweight, environmentally-sustainable vehicles.

How can we help?

EV ownership comes with a range of benefits, and home charging is a simple, affordable and effective way to charge your electric car. With the number of advantages associated with choosing Evergreen as your home charging station provider, it’s the smartest solution available. If you’d like to know more, please get in touch with the team here at Evergreen and let us find the right product for you.