Electric Cars: Saving the Environment and Your Wallet

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Isabella Nunez

Junior Fiorella Lara is a believer in the power of electric cars.

Fiorella Lara Montoya, staff writer

It is truly unfortunate for the average American to spend just under $2,000 a year on gas, but what is truly appalling is the effects that gasoline-fueled cars have on the environment. Both problems can be solved with electric cars.

Electric cars may be an expensive purchase, but will eventually save you money in the long run. Because you are not spending money on gasoline replacement, electric car drivers save around $700 in fuel costs every year. They’re also more convenient to charge than gas-powered cars— rather than detouring to a gas station, an electric car can be easily plugged in and recharged overnight.

“In order to have clean air in cities, you have to go electric,” Tesla founder and electric car advocate Elon Musk said.

Prior to the popularity of electric cars, we as a society were encouraged to carpool, walk, and bike to destinations when possible to reduce our carbon footprint. Unlike gasoline cars that release greenhouse gases and pollutants that contribute to global warming, electric cars reduce carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere by more than 150 thousand metric tons.

The harmful gases of gas-powered cars are not only detrimental to the environment, but also to our individual health. Carbon monoxide, a toxic gas released by gasoline cars, has been known to cause cancer.

Electric cars and gasoline cars have significant differences in structure in that electric cars have less parts—leaving less room for error. You can also say goodbye to visiting an emissions testing station, for electric cars do not require this treatment.

Not only is maintaining electric cars more inexpensive than gasoline cars, but driving them is too. Electric car drivers need not worry about encumbering tolls on highways; they may also qualify to get a tax credit of over $7,000.

Making the switch to electric cars truly sounds riveting— the possibilities are endless and the benefits truly save the planet, your health, and your money.