Are you wondering whether to stick with your existing car or switch to an electric vehicle (EV)? You can reduce your carbon footprint and potentially save money with an EV, but where and how often you drive may impact your decision. And while a cleaner California grid might make an EV more appealing, it’s important to weigh several factors before making a change.
Keep reading to learn whether you should keep your car or go electric.
Key Takeaways
- Keeping an existing fuel-efficient car can be the lower-impact option when it is reliable, well maintained, and driven infrequently.
- Electric vehicles generally produce fewer emissions over time, especially for drivers who travel frequently and charge from a relatively clean electricity grid.
- The best choice depends on annual mileage, fuel efficiency, charging access, budget, and how long you expect to keep the vehicle.
In Focus: Key Data
- Two sources of emissions: A vehicle’s environmental impact includes both manufacturing emissions and the emissions produced during its use.
- Zero tailpipe emissions: Battery-electric vehicles do not release exhaust emissions while being driven, although battery manufacturing and electricity generation still have an environmental footprint.
- Mileage matters: The more frequently a vehicle is driven, the more opportunity an EV has to offset its higher manufacturing emissions through lower operating emissions.
- Grid composition matters: EV emissions are generally lower in regions where electricity comes from a larger share of renewable and low-carbon sources.
- Vehicle lifespan matters: Keeping a functional car in service avoids the immediate manufacturing impact of producing a replacement vehicle.
Considering Emissions
Most people know that vehicles create emissions while being driven. But that’s not the only time emissions come into play. Emissions are also produced during the vehicle manufacturing process.
It takes a lot of energy to mine iron, cobalt, and copper, all of which are used to produce vehicles. Similarly, molding plastics, creating glass, and separating pure metals require energy-intensive processes. Additionally, the process of welding, transporting parts, and assembling vehicles in factories uses grid power and burns fossil fuels.
Driving a vehicle also generates emissions when fuel is burned. The greenhouse gases that result from this process can have devastating impacts on the environment. By driving EVs, you can avoid tailpipe emissions, though emissions are still released during the battery production process.
Knowing When to Keep Your Gas Vehicle
You may have a reliable gas car that gets reasonable gas mileage. If the car hasn’t had lots of maintenance expenses, you may be better off hanging onto it for a couple of years.
Maybe you’re a remote worker, meaning you’re not logging lots of miles per year for a commute. Or perhaps you’ve had to put your budget toward other expenses and need to build up your reserves again. In these situations, hanging onto a gas-powered car makes sense.
Plan on being diligent about routine maintenance to keep your car running efficiently. Know that driving a well-maintained car can contribute to a sustainable lifestyle, particularly if you’re not using it a lot.
Switching to an EV for Lower Emissions
EVs don’t burn fuel, giving them a clear advantage when it comes to lowering emissions. And if you’re in California, you’re already in a state that’s committed to powering vehicles and more through renewable energy resources.
Taking your car to an EV charging station results in fewer emissions. EVs source most of their energy from batteries, unlike traditional cars that rely on internal combustion engines.
If you’re traveling through The Golden State frequently, switching to an EV can be the smarter choice. You can find charging stations at most hotels, and you won’t need to pay for gas. The cost and environmental savings may be well worth the investment.
Giving Up Your Gasoline Car
If an EV feels like the better match, you’ll want to find a responsible way to give up your gas-powered car. You’ll need someone to pick it up, and ideally, you’ll want a fast sale.
It’s important to partner with a reputable buyer, especially if you have an older car. You can get cash for junk cars through an efficient, three-step selling process by working with the team at Cash for Cars California. Reach out to a buyer through their website to receive an instant offer, and you’ll receive cash when the vehicle is picked up.
Weighing the Options
Knowing whether to keep a gas car or level up to an EV will hinge on several considerations. Think about your driving habits and how easily you could charge an EV. Evaluate your budget to see if you can afford a new car.
Consider how long you would like to keep a new vehicle. And look at your current car’s fuel efficiency. When you’re planning to hang onto a new car for a while and anticipate a lot of driving, an EV might be the right fit.
Making the Right Decision
You can still live sustainably by maintaining a fuel-efficient gas car, especially if you’re not driving much. But if you’re traveling a lot in a state like California, you’ll contribute fewer emissions by switching to an EV. Consider your budget and driving needs as you move toward a final choice.
By carefully investigating your options, you can make an eco-friendly car decision that aligns with your lifestyle.