When most people think of electric vehicles, there’s a good chance that they immediately think of Tesla. The car manufacturer is at the forefront of renewable energy usage in automobiles, making it one of the biggest names in the industry. Tesla’s achievements in energy efficiency are paving the way for future manufacturers to develop renewable energy technology of their own, promoting a healthier planet and more sustainable future for all. Whether you’re considering purchasing a Tesla or another model of electric car, the decision moves your community forward and contributes to a more energy efficient and less oil dependent world.
Tesla’s Energy Efficiency
Tesla’s vehicles are among the most energy efficient electric cars on the market today. The Model X achieves 3.1 miles per kilowatt hour of energy according to the EPA, while the Model 3 achieves 4.1 miles. These ratings are high for Tesla cars, which are particularly heavy compared to some other models. Other all wheel drive electric cars, such as the Jaguar I-Pace, typically get between 2.4 and 2.8 miles of range for the same amount of energy. All electric cars can help decrease greenhouse gasses and other harmful effects on the environment. Because Teslas use less energy to generate more mileage, however, they also need to be charged less frequently and promote decreased usage of electricity in general, which is still largely derived from oil, gas, and coal power plants.
A Commitment to Renewable Energy
In addition to its electric cars, Tesla has committed to making renewable energy more accessible and widespread in other ways. Its Powerwall unit powers homes through stored solar energy. This allows your home to be powered by solar energy even when the sun is not out. For example, the Powerwall is able to provide a home with energy for up to seven days after an outage. Because solar energy is so difficult to store, the Powerwall is a major breakthrough in convincing more homeowners to make the switch.
In 2017, Tesla announced that it would begin selling solar panels for home roofs. These panels can connect to Powerwall storage and come in several different designs, making it easy for homeowners to select the best one for their needs. Work on these roofs at Tesla’s Buffalo, N.Y. factory has increased in 2018, with the facility processing approximately 11,000 orders for panels. The company is expecting production to continue increasing dramatically in 2019.
Environmental Benefits of Electric Cars
There are numerous benefits to the environment that come from using electric cars. The biggest is the decrease in carbon emissions. Cars can pollute the the air and release greenhouse gasses, which can impact global warming, and create smog. Electric vehicles, meanwhile, produce no emissions and do not impact the air in the same way.
Electric cars also decrease dependence on oil and gas. Drilling for these materials can often cause severe damage to waterways, animal habitats, and farmland. By reducing our need to access these resources, we can protect the environment and allow the full diversity of both plant and animal life to flourish. In addition, beautiful landscapes will be protected for generations of enjoyment.
How Consumers Benefit from Electric Cars
For consumers, electric cars can be a health and cost saving measure. While traditional cars release dirty air, which can cause breathing problems, electric cars have no emissions and can help improve the air quality in a community.
Electric cars do not require gas, the price of which can fluctuate and increase dramatically throughout the year. Electricity, meanwhile, is cheaper and more stable in price. Electric cars can therefore save consumers money after they make the initial investment to purchase one. With more efficient technology leading to lower prices, electric cars are becoming more affordable than ever, helping more people purchase electric cars sooner.
Electric cars are also very safe to drive. They undergo the same testing procedures as any other car and have the same safety features, such as airbags. In addition, the electric battery can shut off in the event of a crash. This helps prevent the car from continuing to move after impact, protecting drivers, passengers, and people outside the car.
Staying Informed About Renewable Energy
Staying up to date with the latest news in renewable energy and electric vehicles is an easy way to promote greener energy initiatives. By being an informed consumer, you will be able to make smarter purchasing decisions and educate your community about its options when it comes to energy usage. Staying informed can also help you become an early adopter and ambassador of new technologies, helping your community better understand how they work and what benefits they can bring. Consider switching to an electric vehicle as your first step towards bringing stronger renewable energy access and support to your community.
