Brian Barton
Cars are a major contributor to air pollution, which refers to the presence of foreign substances in the air that do not belong there or excessive amounts of certain impurities that would otherwise be harmless. In the United States, vehicles emit about 1.7 billion tons of greenhouse gases each year, with carbon dioxide being the primary pollutant. The typical passenger vehicle emits about 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually, and every gallon of gasoline burned creates about 8,887 grams of carbon dioxide. Aside from carbon dioxide, vehicles also emit pollutants such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and particulate matter, which can cause various health issues such as asthma, heart disease, and cancer.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Percentage of air pollution caused by cars in urban areas | Higher than in non-urban areas |
| Percentage of air pollution caused by cars near major highways | Higher than in urban areas |
| Pollutants emitted by cars | Carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbon, nitrogen dioxide, particulate matter, ozone, hydrocarbons |
| Health risks associated with car pollution | Respiratory problems, asthma, heart disease, birth defects, eye irritation, cancer, premature death, impaired lung development, breathing difficulties, intensified allergic reactions |
| Environmental risks associated with car pollution | Acid rain, deteriorated water quality, acidification of soils and surface waters |
| Average carbon dioxide emissions of a typical passenger vehicle per year | 4.6 metric tons |
| Average carbon dioxide emissions of a typical passenger vehicle per mile | 400 grams |
| Average carbon dioxide emissions of a typical passenger vehicle per gallon of gasoline | 8,887 grams |
| Average carbon dioxide emissions of a typical passenger vehicle per gallon of diesel | 10,180 grams |
| Percentage of total EU CO2 emissions from road transportation in 2019 | 71.7% |
| Percentage of total CO2 emissions from road transportation in the US | 15% |
| Percentage of total global CO2 emissions from the transport sector in 2016 | 21% |
| Percentage of total global CO2 emissions from the energy sector | 24% |
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What You'll Learn
- Electric cars are more environmentally friendly than petrol cars
- The US transportation sector accounts for about 39% of total US energy-related CO2 emissions
- Vehicle emissions are a major cause of air pollution
- California has the worst air pollution levels in the US
- The EU plans to make electric car batteries more sustainable
Electric cars are more environmentally friendly than petrol cars
Electric cars are widely considered to be more environmentally friendly than petrol cars. While it is true that electric vehicles (EVs) still need electricity to run, and manufacturing batteries can be energy-intensive, they typically emit less carbon over their lifetime.
A typical passenger vehicle with an internal combustion engine emits about 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year. This number varies based on a vehicle’s fuel, fuel economy, and the number of miles driven per year. The combined consumption of motor gasoline and diesel fuel accounted for about 80% of total U.S. transportation sector CO2 emissions, with the sector as a whole responsible for about 39% of total U.S. emissions.
EVs, on the other hand, have zero tailpipe emissions. This means that, despite the carbon emitted during the manufacturing process and when generating the electricity used to charge them, they are still responsible for lower levels of greenhouse gases (GHGs) than an average new petrol car. This is especially true when more renewable energy sources like wind and solar are used to generate electricity. In 2020, renewables became the second-most prevalent U.S. electricity source.
Some studies have shown that making an EV can create more carbon pollution than making a petrol car due to the additional energy required to manufacture a battery. However, over the lifetime of the vehicle, total GHG emissions associated with manufacturing, charging, and driving an EV are typically lower than those of a petrol car. Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory estimated emissions for both a petrol car and an EV with a 300-mile range. They found that while GHG emissions from EV manufacturing and end-of-life are higher, total GHGs for the EV are still lower than those for the petrol car.
In addition to lower emissions, EVs are also more energy efficient than petrol cars. They use approximately 87%–91% of the energy from the battery and regenerative braking to propel the vehicle, whereas petrol vehicles only convert about 16–25% of the energy from petrol into movement.
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The US transportation sector accounts for about 39% of total US energy-related CO2 emissions
The transportation sector is a major contributor to air pollution. In the US, 17,000 to 20,000 people die each year from vehicle pollution, with one in three exposed to unhealthy air. People of colour are disproportionately affected, breathing an average of 66% more air pollution from cars and trucks than white residents in some regions. Los Angeles is the most polluted city in the US in terms of ozone pollution, with nine out of ten Californians living in areas with unhealthy air.
Passenger cars are a significant source of pollution, accounting for 61% of total CO2 emissions from road transport in the EU. In the US, the transportation sector is responsible for about 39% of total energy-related CO2 emissions. While the COVID-19 pandemic temporarily reduced driving and gasoline use, these declines were short-lived. Today, vehicle miles travelled (VMT) and gasoline consumption have surged to near-record highs, highlighting the pressing need for cleaner transportation solutions.
A typical passenger vehicle emits approximately 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year, although this can vary depending on factors such as fuel type, fuel economy, and annual mileage. To reduce carbon dioxide pollution from vehicles, it is essential to decrease gasoline and diesel consumption. Electric cars, for instance, are proving to be more environmentally friendly than petrol-powered vehicles, especially with the anticipated increase in the share of electricity derived from renewable sources.
To achieve net-zero emissions in the energy sector, it is crucial to explore alternative fuels and technologies, such as hydrogen fuel cells or batteries, for planes, ships, and large trucks. However, the range and power requirements of these vehicles pose challenges due to the larger and heavier nature of batteries or hydrogen fuel tanks compared to traditional combustion engines.
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Vehicle emissions are a major cause of air pollution
The transportation sector, including cars, trucks, and buses, accounts for a significant portion of global CO2 emissions. In 2016, transport emissions were responsible for 7.9 billion tonnes of CO2, with road travel accounting for three-quarters of these emissions. Cars and buses contribute 45.1% of transport emissions, while trucks carrying freight account for 29.4%. The impact of the transportation sector on climate change is expected to grow as global transport demand increases with rising populations, incomes, and car ownership rates.
Vehicle emissions have been linked to a range of health issues, particularly for those who live near busy roads or have long commutes. Exposure to toxic air pollutants from vehicles can increase the risk of asthma, heart and lung disease, dementia, and cancer. Vehicle emissions have also been associated with mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. In the United States alone, it is estimated that 17,000 to 20,000 people die each year from vehicle pollution.
To reduce the impact of vehicle emissions on air pollution and public health, individuals can switch to electric vehicles, which have lower emissions over their lifetime compared to gas-powered cars. Additionally, the development of walkable neighbourhoods, the promotion of biking and e-bikes, and the improvement of mass transit systems can help reduce the number of vehicles on the road and, consequently, their emissions.
While vehicles are a significant contributor to air pollution, it is important to recognize that other human activities, such as the production of electricity by coal-fired power plants and the heating of buildings with non-electric fuels, also play a role in polluting the air we breathe.
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California has the worst air pollution levels in the US
California has some of the worst air pollution levels in the US. In 2019, 19 of the 20 most polluted cities in the US for PM2.5 pollution were in California, with Bakersfield, Fresno-Madera-Hanford, Visalia, Los Angeles-Long Beach, and San Jose-San Francisco-Oakland topping the charts. The state's large population of 39 million, significant port industry, and growing economy create significant emissions from traffic, diesel trucks, construction, agriculture, and domestic sources.
The San Joaquin Valley, in particular, has been identified as one of the most polluted regions in the country, with large-scale oil production, agriculture, and warehouse distribution contributing to poor air quality. The region has been out of compliance with Environmental Protection Agency standards for over 25 years, and residents and activists have called for more effective solutions. Assembly Bill 2550 aims to empower the California Air Resources Board to work with local air districts and community groups to develop new strategies to combat air pollution and meet federal air standards.
Wildfires have also significantly impacted California's air quality, with 2020 setting a record for the most acres burned in the state. While 2019 saw a decrease in the number of wildfires, they still contributed to air pollution, and the severity of wildfire seasons continues to be a concern for environmentalists and lawmakers striving to improve air quality.
Los Angeles, with a population of over 10 million, is particularly susceptible to high ozone levels due to its geographical location. Diesel engines, ports, motor vehicles, and industries are the main sources of air pollution in the city, and smog is a visible consequence of the combination of primary and secondary pollutants. However, efforts to improve air quality in Los Angeles have shown some progress, with a decrease in short-term and year-round particle pollution.
The health consequences of air pollution are significant, with PM2.5 pollution estimated to cause over 9,200 deaths in California annually. Poor air quality is linked to increased health risks, including respiratory issues such as asthma, and can lead to rising healthcare costs for individuals and communities.
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The EU plans to make electric car batteries more sustainable
Cars are a major source of pollution, contributing significantly to global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. In 2016, transport emissions accounted for 7.9 billion tonnes of CO2, with road travel responsible for three-quarters of these emissions. Most of the emissions from road transport come from passenger vehicles, which emit about 400 grams of CO2 per mile, or 4.6 metric tons per year. In addition to CO2, automobiles using gasoline produce methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O), as well as hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) from leaking air conditioners. These emissions have been linked to a range of health issues, including asthma, heart and lung disease, and increased risks of cancer.
To address the environmental impact of cars, the European Union (EU) is taking steps to make electric car batteries more sustainable. The EU has adopted new regulations, known as the EU Batteries Regulation, which set environmental standards for batteries from electric cars. The regulations aim to ensure that batteries are more sustainable throughout their entire life cycle, from the sourcing of raw materials to production and recycling.
One key aspect of the regulations is the requirement for battery manufacturers to report the carbon footprint of their products, including the impact of mining, production, and recycling. This information will be used to set a maximum CO2 limit for batteries, ensuring that companies use clean energy instead of fossil fuels. The regulations also address social and environmental risks associated with the sourcing, processing, and trading of raw materials, aiming to prevent human rights abuses and ensure ethical sourcing.
The EU Batteries Regulation includes new recycling targets, requiring battery-makers to recover high percentages of nickel, cobalt, and lithium used in their products. These targets will extend the climate advantage of batteries over fossil fuels. The regulations also encourage the reuse and repurposing of batteries, such as using discarded vehicle batteries as stationary power stations.
The EU's efforts to make electric car batteries more sustainable are part of its broader transition to a sustainable and competitive economy with net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The European Green Deal, approved in 2020, includes initiatives to increase electrification in transport and industries, as well as adding renewable power generation capacity. The EU forecasts that at least 30 million zero-emission electric vehicles will be on its roads by 2030, contributing to a significant decrease in greenhouse gas emissions.
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Frequently asked questions
Cars in the US output a significant amount of pollution, with the transportation sector being responsible for over 55% of NOx total emissions. The exact amount of pollution from cars is difficult to pinpoint, but it is estimated that vehicles contribute around 30-40% of carbon pollution.
Cars emit various types of pollution, including carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and particulate matter.
Car pollution has been linked to increased health risks, especially for those living near busy roads. Exposure to toxic air pollutants from vehicles can lead to respiratory problems, asthma, heart disease, and an increased risk of cancer.
Car pollution contributes to climate change, particularly through carbon dioxide emissions, which are proportional to fuel consumption. The burning of gasoline also releases other greenhouse gases, such as methane and nitrous oxide.
To reduce car pollution, individuals can switch to electric vehicles, carpool, walk, or use public transportation. On a broader scale, stronger fuel economy standards and the development of walkable neighbourhoods, biking infrastructure, and mass transit systems can help reduce vehicle emissions.
