By The Way, Hybrids Pollute Too

When people think about plug-in vehicles, they predominately think of two things.   First, they are excited about the increased mileage they will be able to get with a plug-in.   Second, there is a consensus that these types of vehicles will be much better for the environment.

Are plug-in vehicles actually better for the environment, or do they simply pollute differently than traditional vehicles?   What are the environmental effects of plug-in vehicles from production to driving?

First, it is important to think about what goes into a plug-in vehicle.   The batteries are where most of the pollution is going to come from during production.   From destructive mining to the disposal of the harmful substances that go into making batteries, battery production takes a toll on the environment.

That is not the only problem when it comes to the production of plug-in vehicles, though.   The energy source that charges the batteries must also be considered.   Consider, for instance, what energy source a large portion of the population uses in order to get electrical power.   Over 49% of the energy in the US is generated through coal.

How does that affect a plug-in vehicle?   Consider running a vehicle entirely on coal.   That is comparable to what some areas will offer their residents.   Areas that run on coal will use that coal to charge up the vehicles, which will in turn pollute the air.

The increased use of coal will lead to more soot, which causes the air to be harder to breathe, and larger amounts of mercury, which is toxic.   Unfortunately, the problems do not end there.

Studies have shown that plug-in vehicles pose another environmental threat.   They have the possibility of causing more sulfur dioxide to go into the environment.   That is not a problem that is specific to coal, either.   In fact, even areas that have wind generated power plants could face this problem.   Increased sulfur dioxide in the environment could lead to acid rain.

Another problem that those who are creating plug-in vehicles face is increased CO2.   CO2 is one of the main components in the breaking down of the ozone layer, so it is a problem that will have be addressed before plug-in vehicles are mass produced.

Currently, plug-in vehicles are actually more damaging to the environment to produce than many of their gas counterparts are.   However, that does not mean that there are not advantages to owning a plug-in vehicle.

A decreased dependence on foreign oil is, of course, foremost.   If countries can move away from getting oil from foreign sources, they can at last become independent.

Of course, it is not only about the dependence on foreign oil.   It can be argued that research and the implementing of alternative energy production sources is equally important.   Plug-in vehicles have the opportunity to truly change the way that people not only drive, but the way they use and depend on energy.

There are many ways that energy can be produced that is not as harmful to the environment, and plug-in vehicles could help propel that.   While even wind power will still cause some toxins to make it into the environment, sources such as wind, geothermal, and solar power can greatly decrease the problem with pollution.   That solution will go far past plug-in vehicles and driving.

Pollution is something that countries are always going to have to struggle with.   No matter how great a concept is, there is always a way to improve upon it.   Now is the time, when global warming is making national news and fuel prices have increased to unimaginable heights, to not only assess the problem, but to work toward fixing it.