Let’s break the myth: "Electric cars are not really cleaner than ordinary cars"
In the Estonian transport sector, the growth in the popularity of electric transport has been stubborn, and myths, which are widely disseminated in popularity, also play a role.
One of the most common myths is that electric cars are no more environmentally friendly than cars with internal combustion engines. Instead of giving arbitrary opinions, let's look at the facts about the current state of our transport sector and how electric cars can help improve it.
Why is the development of electric transport important?
We all know that reducing emissions, mainly CO2, is the key to curbing climate change. It is worth noting that Estonia's biggest challenges in reducing emissions are not in energy, but in transport.
The CO2 emissions of Estonian electricity production have decreased three times in the last two years, but so far we have not made much progress in reducing air emissions in transport. On the contrary, the corresponding figures have been on the rise in transport over the last seven years.
CO2 emissions from road transport are close to 2.2 million tonnes per year, of which passenger cars account for around 1.5 million. That's even more than in 1990.
Electrification is the fastest, cheapest and most environmentally friendly solution in achieving a carbon-neutral economic model. This means that renewable electricity replaces other, more polluting energy sources, such as motor fuel or gas. In a situation where Estonia's renewable energy production is growing, we can give the whole sector new and cleaner breath by electrifying the transport sector.
Renewable electricity is the key to making of electric cars green
The way in which the electricity from the charger is produced plays a decisive role in the ecological footprint of electric cars. When electricity is produced from renewable energy sources, it has almost no effect on the environment. However, if, for example, coal is used to generate electricity, the footprint will be significantly bigger.
Fortunately, in an open electricity market, every consumer can choose electricity produced from 100% renewable energy sources as part of their electricity package. In addition, you always get green electricity from Enefit Volt's public charging network.
Electric cars also make a significant contribution to making the air we breathe every day cleaner. Exhaust emissions are a major contributor to air quality in urban areas. The World Health Organization estimates that air pollution causes nearly 4.2 million premature deaths a year.
If only electric cars were driving around us, this number would probably be several times smaller than today. In addition, it is not worth forgetting the noise pollution that is minimal with electric cars.
The daily and tangible impact of smart electricity transport on people will be in cleaner city air and lower electricity bills. For society, this means a natural and comfortable but irreversible move towards carbon neutrality.