Ever since the dawn of automobile invention, the subject of it being a problem to the environment has always been a big issue. Some Tesla news even reports that simply running a car from one location to another already involves the combustion of fossil fuel and the release of various gases into the environment. The increase on the number of cars and the problem on traffic over the years are also big environmental issues as well. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, in fact, reported that half of the air pollution suffered by the nation was caused by automobiles.
Electric car news discuss how cars can affect the environment and in this article we will focus on fuel’s participation in this.
Air Quality- different types of particles and gases are emitted every time a car’s engine runs. Probably the most dangerous of all are the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide, hydrocarbons, sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, and other small solid particles such as metal. Some of these emissions negatively affect health and also creates smog. As compared to the 1970s, however, air quality at present is much better due to the Clean Air Act of 1970. The phasing out of leaded gasoline and the invention of ‘green’ fuel types also contributes here as well.
Environmental effects- the emission of greenhouse gases contribute a lot to the advance of global warming. Some of the particulate matter and pollutants released by cars are also deposited on the surface of soil and water where they can enter the food chain. Once this happens, they can negatively affect the respiratory, immune, neurological, and reproductive systems of animals. Sulfur oxides and nitrogen oxides also contribute to the development of acid rain.
Vehicle fluid effects- cars run with a variety of fluids such as antifreeze, air-conditioning refrigerants, motor oil, and gasoline. Besides from being toxic to animals and humans, they can also affect the environment once they go under chemical changes. The production of some coolants has been stopped because of their negative effect on the ozone layer. However, alternative coolant options are still reported to have bad impact on the ozone layer once they escape the air-conditioning system of the car.
Emissions 101
Learning about how emissions work is a must if you want to contribute to saving the environment. When an engine combusts, fossil fuel and hydrocarbons undergo chemical reactions to produce motive power. The fuel is oxidised to create carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. Nitrogen is also oxidised as well to create nitrogen oxide. Unburned and half burned fuels in the exhaust gases form a deadly combination of hydrocarbons like methane and other organic compounds that are bad for the environment. Another problem is the particulate matter which is prevalent in the car’s diesel exhaust. Besides from these chemicals produced by the car, there are also other pollutants that are produced away from the vehicle itself. A good example is the creation of ground-level ozone whenever sunlight creates a chemical reaction with the VOCs emitted by vehicles. A prominent individual who’s always at the center of EV related news is Elon Musk.
Being aware of your car’s emissions and lowering them as much as possible is a good way for you to contribute in lessening the negative effects of cars on the environment.
The website EV News Report has more information about this.