Best Cars For Fighting Pollution And Improving Air Quality

Cars are a major source of air pollution, which has serious impacts on public health and the environment. In the US, the transportation sector is the largest source of carbon pollution, with cars and trucks contributing to harmful emissions such as nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and hydrocarbons. To reduce pollution from vehicles, individuals can make environmentally conscious choices when purchasing a new car, opting for fuel-efficient vehicles with low greenhouse gas emissions. Electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, and newer, more fuel-efficient gas-powered cars are all options that can help reduce pollution and save money on fuel costs. Additionally, proper maintenance of vehicles and adopting driving habits such as avoiding idling and driving at slower speeds can further contribute to reducing emissions.

Characteristics of the best cars for reducing pollution

Electric vehicles

While generating electricity to power EVs can create carbon pollution, the amount varies depending on the energy source. For example, using coal or natural gas emits carbon pollution, while renewable sources like wind or solar power do not. Research shows that even when accounting for electricity emissions, EVs are responsible for lower levels of greenhouse gases than average new gasoline cars. As the power sector transitions to cleaner energy sources, the total greenhouse gas emissions associated with EVs are expected to decrease further.

EVs are also more energy-efficient than gasoline cars. They use approximately 87-91% of the energy from the battery and regenerative braking for propulsion, while gasoline vehicles only convert about 16-25% of gasoline energy into movement. This higher energy efficiency translates into significant fuel cost savings for EV owners.

In addition to reducing pollution, EVs offer other advantages. They are generally safer than gasoline vehicles as they are designed with additional safety features that shut down the electrical system in the event of a collision or short circuit. Moreover, the lack of tailpipe emissions improves air quality, particularly in urban areas, which can lead to significant public health benefits.

The widespread adoption of EVs is gaining momentum, with automakers offering a growing range of electric, hybrid, and fuel-efficient models. This trend is supported by government initiatives and investments in EV charging infrastructure, making it more convenient for people to transition to electric vehicles.

Fuel cell technology

Fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) are similar to battery-electric cars but differ in their power source. While battery-electric vehicles store electricity in batteries, FCEVs use a fuel cell stack to generate electricity from hydrogen. This gives FCEVs an advantage over battery-electric cars when it comes to refuelling time. FCEVs can be refuelled in just five minutes, similar to a traditional petrol or diesel car, whereas charging a battery-electric vehicle can take much longer.

FCEVs have several advantages over conventional internal combustion engines. They produce zero tailpipe emissions, reducing the release of harmful pollutants and greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change and air pollution. Additionally, FCEVs are smooth, quiet, and peaceful to drive, offering a more pleasant driving experience.

However, there are some challenges and disadvantages associated with FCEVs. One significant challenge is the availability of hydrogen fuelling infrastructure. Building a reliable network of hydrogen fuelling stations has proven to be difficult and expensive. As a result, FCEV owners may face difficulties in finding fuelling stations and ensuring a consistent supply of hydrogen. This issue is particularly prominent outside of California, which is the only state in the US with a dedicated network of retail hydrogen fuelling stations.

Another disadvantage is the cost of hydrogen fuel. With a limited supply network, hydrogen fuel prices are relatively high compared to gasoline or electricity for charging electric vehicles. This can make FCEVs more expensive to run than other vehicle types, especially after the initial promotional offers from manufacturers expire.

Despite these challenges, FCEVs have the potential to play a crucial role in reducing pollution from the transport sector, which accounts for a significant portion of global greenhouse gas emissions. The advantages of FCEVs, such as their low emissions and quiet operation, make them an attractive option for those seeking environmentally friendly transportation. However, further advancements and infrastructure development are needed to overcome the current hurdles and make FCEVs a more widely adopted solution for reducing pollution from vehicles.

Public transport

In addition to the environmental benefits, public transportation offers mobility, safety, and economic advantages. It increases labour productivity by reducing travel time and commuting costs in congested areas. It can also lead to cost savings for individuals, as well as reduced spending on public and private infrastructure.

For longer distances, taking the bus or train is a more environmentally friendly option than driving alone. If public transportation is not available, carpooling with others can also help to reduce pollution and travel costs.

Fuel efficiency

One of the best ways to save money and reduce pollution is to choose a fuel-efficient vehicle. Fuel-efficient cars burn less fuel and emit fewer harmful by-products of combustion, such as nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, benzene, and formaldehyde.

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set stronger limits on pollution from cars, pickups, and SUVs, and has established stronger standards for passenger cars, light-duty trucks, and medium-duty vehicles. These standards are expected to avoid more than 7 billion tons of carbon emissions and provide nearly $100 billion in annual net benefits to society.

When shopping for a new car, look for fuel-efficient vehicles with low greenhouse gas emissions. The EPA's Green Vehicle Guide can help you find vehicles that are more efficient and less polluting, including plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, and cleaner-burning gasoline vehicles.

Gas-Only Cars

• Mitsubishi Mirage: 36/43/39 mpg city/highway/combined
• Honda Civic: 33/42/36 mpg
• Hyundai Elantra: 32/41/36 mpg
• Toyota Corolla: 32/41/35 mpg
• Nissan Versa: 32/40/35 mpg

Gas-Electric Hybrids

• Toyota Prius: 57/56/57 mpg
• Hyundai Elantra Hybrid: 51/58/54 mpg
• Kia Niro Hybrid: 53/54/53 mpg
• Toyota Camry Hybrid: 51/53/52 mpg
• Toyota Corolla Hybrid: 53/46/50 mpg

Plug-in Hybrids

• Toyota Prius Prime: 127 mpg-equivalent
• Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid: 108 mpg-e (manufacturer estimate)
• Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid: 101 mpg-e (manufacturer estimate)
• Toyota RAV4 Prime: 94 mpg-e
• Lexus NX 450h+: 84 mpg-e

Car maintenance

Driving a less-polluting vehicle is one of the most effective ways to reduce air pollution. Electric, hybrid, and even compact fuel-efficient gas vehicles are all options that can help reduce pollution. These vehicles emit fewer harmful by-products of combustion, such as nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, benzene, formaldehyde, and carbon dioxide.

However, regardless of the type of vehicle you drive, proper car maintenance is crucial to ensure it runs as cleanly and efficiently as possible. Here are some tips to maintain your car and reduce pollution:

Follow the Owner's Manual and Maintenance Schedule:

Adhere to the recommended maintenance schedule provided by the manufacturer of your vehicle. This includes scheduling regular oil changes and other maintenance tasks as outlined in the owner's manual. Newer vehicles have complex emission controls, and proper maintenance ensures they function as designed to minimise pollution.

Keep Tires Properly Inflated:

Check your owner's manual for the correct tire pressure and maintain it accordingly. Properly inflated tires improve fuel efficiency, leading to reduced fuel consumption and lower emissions.

Drive Efficiently:

The way you drive can significantly impact your vehicle's pollution output. Observe posted speed limits, accelerate gradually, and maintain a steady speed. Avoid rapid acceleration and frequent stops, as getting a vehicle moving from a complete stop uses the most energy.

Avoid Idling:

Unnecessary idling wastes fuel and increases engine wear. Modern vehicles do not require prolonged "warming up" in cold weather. Turn off your engine if you anticipate being stationary for more than a minute or two.

Regular Tune-Ups:

Get regular tune-ups and use the recommended motor oil for your vehicle. This helps optimise fuel efficiency and reduces pollution.

Frequently asked questions