Why Electric Cars Are Cleaner

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The new, all-electric Nissan Leaf is expected to go on sale nationwide by the end of 2011. 
The new, all-electric Nissan Leaf is expected to go on sale nationwide by the end of 2011. 
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 These numbers represent the estimated pounds of CO2 emitted per year for a typical electric car driven in each region. Even an electric car in the “worst” region yields cleaner emissions than a typical conventional gas car, whose CO2 emissions do not vary by region. The calculations assume 12,000 miles driven annually (a typical year’s worth of driving), and the emissions figure for gas-only cars assumes a fuel efficiency of 25 mpg. The Nissan Leaf’s on-road efficiency serves as a representative value because the Leaf best represents the mainstream electric-car market at this time. 
 These numbers represent the estimated pounds of CO2 emitted per year for a typical electric car driven in each region. Even an electric car in the “worst” region yields cleaner emissions than a typical conventional gas car, whose CO2 emissions do not vary by region. The calculations assume 12,000 miles driven annually (a typical year’s worth of driving), and the emissions figure for gas-only cars assumes a fuel efficiency of 25 mpg. The Nissan Leaf’s on-road efficiency serves as a representative value because the Leaf best represents the mainstream electric-car market at this time. 
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A conventional gas car emits more greenhouse gases than an electric car driven in any area of the United States. 
A conventional gas car emits more greenhouse gases than an electric car driven in any area of the United States. 
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Conventional cars contribute heavily to urban air pollution. Choosing to drive an electric car is one great way urbanites can help clear the air. 
Conventional cars contribute heavily to urban air pollution. Choosing to drive an electric car is one great way urbanites can help clear the air. 
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Electric cars will become even cleaner if we incorporate more renewables into our energy grid. 
Electric cars will become even cleaner if we incorporate more renewables into our energy grid. 
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An electric car driven in California emits less greenhouse gas pollution than an electric car driven in any other region of the country thanks renewable energy electricity sources like this solar field in the California desert. 
An electric car driven in California emits less greenhouse gas pollution than an electric car driven in any other region of the country thanks renewable energy electricity sources like this solar field in the California desert. 
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Toyota’s small, electric commuter car, the FT-EV II, is still in its concept stage as of early 2011. 
Toyota’s small, electric commuter car, the FT-EV II, is still in its concept stage as of early 2011. 
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A winning combo: the supersleek, all-electric Tesla Roadster sports car and renewable wind energy. 
A winning combo: the supersleek, all-electric Tesla Roadster sports car and renewable wind energy. 
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Electric motors, such as this one in the Nissan Leaf, are far more efficient than gas engines. 
Electric motors, such as this one in the Nissan Leaf, are far more efficient than gas engines. 

As of 2011, the electric car is no longer a hypothetical car of the future. Thanks to unveilings from major automakers, corporate investment, dedicated government backing and steady improvements to the technology itself, electric cars are ready to claim a spot as a car of the present. It’s been quite a ride. After first appearing in the early 1900s and then flirting with a return in the 1990s, electric cars (sometimes called EVs, for electric vehicles) fell back to niche status. But recent history has seen nearly the entire auto industry recharge about electric cars. Some notable buzz:

  • General Motors is back in the game with production of the Chevy Volt, a plug-in hybrid capable of traveling 25 to 50 miles on electricity alone. The Volt has already won several notable awards, including the Motor Trend 2011 Car of the Year and the 2011 Green Car of the Year from Green Car Journal.
  • Toyota is working on a small electric car, the FT-EV II, and has bought a significant stake in electric car specialist Tesla Motors, maker of the electric Roadster sports car. Tesla and Toyota are developing an electric version of Toyota’s RAV4, a small SUV.
  • Nissan sold out the preorder waiting list for its all-electric Leaf sedan (pictured at right) in 2010, and the car is expected to go on sale nationwide for about $25,000 (after tax credits) by the end of 2011.
  • Published on Dec 28, 2010
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