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Solar-Powered Electric Cars

Solar-Powered Electric Cars

What if you could fuel up your car while you make dinner or watch your favorite show? Owning a solar-powered electric vehicle may seem like a huge adjustment, but it could help save the planet.

The average American emits 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year by driving a passenger vehicle. This number does not include the CO2 equivalent emissions released through the extraction and creation of gasoline. The emissions created before the fuel is even in the vehicle can range from 3.35-6.7 pounds per gallonAn average passenger vehicle can hold 12 gallons of gas. This means that every time you fill your gas tank upyou emit between 40.2 and 80.4 pounds of carbon dioxide before you even pull away from the pump.

In brief terms, the average American emits a lot of carbon dioxide through driving. (These numbers do not include diesel vehicles which are even worse when it comes to emissions!) 

The words “electric car” may be taboo around many classic car-lovers, but the benefits of these automobiles are undeniable. Instead of using gasoline or diesel for fuel, electric cars use electricity. This means when operated, they do not emit carbon dioxide.

For $1, an electric car can travel around 40 miles. For the same amount, a gasoline car can only go about 22 miles. Electric cars are better for the environment and cheaper for the consumer.

The downfall of electric cars is that electricity production typically requires fossil fuels, which, when burned, emit carbon dioxide.

Solar-Powered Electric Cars

Solar panels may be an answer to this emissions predicament. Charging stations powered by solar panels have the capability to recharge electric vehicles.

In addition to being economically sustainable, you can see in this article that eliminating electricity production from fossil fuels improves the environment in other ways besides air quality.

Not only is the green energy helpful, the shade provided by these infrastructures can prevent damage to cars. These charging stations can be located in parking lots to reduce the land consumption for human energy needs.

Another exciting facet of charging an electric car with solar panels is that there is a possibility to recharge from the comfort of your own home. It would most likely require the addition of solar panels to an already existing system, but the initial cost would be offset in the long run.

There have already been several installations of solar charging stations across the United States. The University of Central Florida opened a station in 2010. The city of St. Paul, MN opened its solar charging station in 2012, and Lane Community College opened one in Oregon.

Taking the leap to electric cars helps the planet. However, to make an even greater impact, charging your new electric car with solar energy creates an almost zero-emissions vehicle. Electric cars powered with solar energy will get you where you need to go. Why not save the planet on your way?

If you are interested in charging your electric vehicle from the comfort of your own home, contact us to see how you can use green energy to refuel your vehicle and revitalize the Earth.