EVs and PHEVs running only on electricity have zero tailpipe emissions, but emissions may be produced by the source of electrical power, such as a power plant. In geographic areas that use relatively low-polluting energy sources for electricity generation, PHEVs and EVs typically have lower emissions well-to-wheel than similar conventional vehicles running on gasoline or diesel. In regions that depend heavily on coal for electricity generation, PEVs may not demonstrate a strong well-to-wheel emissions benefit.
Vehicle emissions can be divided into two general categories: air pollutants, which contribute to smog, haze, and health problems; and greenhouse gases GHGs , such as carbon dioxide and methane. Both categories of emissions can be evaluated on a direct basis and a well-to-wheel basis. This makes sense, because many other human activities contribute to air pollution as well.
In fact, the production of electricity by coal-fired power plants and other sources can cause more pollution than most cars. If that wasn't enough, we pollute the air when we heat our homes and public buildings with fuels other than electricity — just as we do when we drive our cars. Even people who don't drive add to pollution when they buy goods and services that involve fuel when they're made or delivered. What we do know is that the transportation sector is responsible for over 55 percent of NOx total emissions inventory in the U.
Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are gases that are emitted into the air from products or processes, according to the American Lung Asociation , and come from deisel emissions and the burning of gasoline. Although the U. Environmental Protection Agency EPA declared cars " mobile sources" of pollution , they aren't the only culprits.
Big trucks, bulldozers, ships and boats, trains and even snowblowers pollute the air. The Inventory of U. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks estimated that mobile sources constituted 32 percent of total anthropogenic greenhouse gas GHG emissions in the United States in when including emissions from non-transportation mobile sources.
And according to a study by researchers at the University of Toronto , published in , 25 percent of cars and trucks are causing about 90 percent of pollution from the vehicle fleet. The United States was long considered the world's biggest polluter in terms of carbon dioxide and other greenhouses gases, but China has moved into the top spot, according to the Global Carbon Project The percentage of air pollution caused by cars is higher in urban areas and higher still near major highways.
Fortunately, better fuels and new technologies in cars help. The U. According to the EPA, today's cars are 98 to 99 percent cleaner for most tailpipe pollutants compared to the s.
Hybrid cars, electric cars and alternative fuels will continue to help, but the sheer number of people — and cars — on the roads offsets these improvements. People can help by driving less. Combine trips for efficiency.
Walk, bike, carpool or use public transportation when you can. According to the U. Motor vehicle pollution. Was this page useful? Yes No. Page feedback. Feedback about this page: Feedback is required.
Reference number:. Provide feedback on a Department of Transport and Main Roads service Please use our complaints and compliments online form to provide feedback about a service. Last updated 24 August Related information Smoky vehicles Report a smoky vehicle. Explore this site Popular Find a form Traffic cameras Find a customer service centre Traffic and road conditions Queensland road rules Driver licensing.
Looking for Annual report Buying or selling a vehicle Demerit points Getting a licence Learning to drive Registering vehicles Our projects.
0コメント