PLUG-IN

Electric car charger parking space stencil.

According to the Union of Concerned Scientists:

“Cars and trucks account for nearly one-fifth of all US emissions, emitting around 24 pounds of carbon dioxide and other global-warming gases for every gallon of gas. About five pounds comes from the extraction, production, and delivery of the fuel, while the great bulk of heat-trapping emissions—more than 19 pounds per gallon—comes right out of a car’s tailpipe.”

As other countries around the world put more cars on the road, the problem will only multiply. If we want to tackle carbon emissions in aid of combating climate change, we need to find alternatives.

Until recently, the only choices that consumers had were between fuel-efficiency options in traditional gasoline combustion engine vehicles. That is all about to change as access to new technologies is giving consumers more options. Imagine not buying gasoline for your car more than a few times a year – or better yet, never. More and more people are enjoying that very scenario.

Hybrid Engine Vehicles

Most like a traditional gas powered vehicle, hybrid cars have been around for some time thus making the technology well tested. The primary drive is still via a traditional engine but the addition of a bank of batteries helps to enhance the vehicle’s fuel efficiency with greatly reduced emissions. Electricity is generated from the engine to charge the batteries. The batteries in turn provide power to the drive train helping to turn the wheels. Braking also produces energy which is stored in the batteries. At lower speeds, many hybrid vehicles can run on battery power alone. Also, the vehicle will cut off the engine at a full stop to reduce emissions at idle. Some manufacturers are also offering plug-in hybrid models. These vehicles still have gasoline engines but get most of their energy through their batteries. The batteries are charged through a plug like a full electric car. The gasoline engine is used for supplemental power to help to extend the overall range of the vehicle.

Electric Cars

Another option that is becoming more mainstream is the electric powered car. No gasoline is required to fuel these vehicles as they run on pure battery power. Electric cars have zero emissions when driven and come in a host of options from basic to luxurious. Don’t think that you are giving away anything on power compared to traditional cars. Electric vehicles have a tremendous amount of torque. As a result, they can get away very quickly. The distance that the car can travel on a single charge varies from vehicle to vehicle. Average range can be anywhere from about 100 miles to 300 miles based on today’s available models. As technology improves, range is extending and more options are coming on the market with improved miles per charge. Recharging the vehicle when not at home is improving as charging stations are becoming more abundant.

Hydrogen Vehicles

Cars that run on a virtually unlimited fuel source and only emit water sound like the stuff of science fiction. However, they are now a mainstream reality. Hydrogen fuel cells vehicles work by the reaction of a fuel and oxygen with an electrolyte. The reaction creates energy and is directly used to power the drive train of the vehicle. Fuels cells work continuously when a fuel source is present. There is a difference between a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle and a hydrogen combustion vehicle. For a quick overview, click here. Right now, commercial hydrogen gas is made as a byproduct of natural gas production - for obvious reasons, this is not ideal. It can also be produced using renewable energy but this is still a very expensive method. Currently, a few manufacturers are making hydrogen cars for consumers and more are on the way. Cost is still a factor so this vehicle type is still more of an option for early adopters. As technology improves and costs come down, hydrogen cars may start to compete strongly with electric vehicles for increasing market share among consumers. The big challenge is cracking the code of manufacturing hydrogen fuel in a way that does not rely on fossil fuel.

What other options are there?

The sharing economy has introduced concepts such as ride-sharing and single use vehicles into the host of options available to people today. If you only need to drive on a limited basis these options offer you the choice of not owning a car at all. Electric personal vehicles such as scooters and bikes are options which are gaining popularity. Trains and public transit options are still viable means of transport and with government support could become a better option for commuting. You can research and support options and make your voice heard. Tell elected officials in your community to support public transit and invest in them.