Coches eléctricos: a better future for health and the environment?

Awareness of the environmental issues associated with the mass use of combustion engine vehicles is increasing. More and more consumers are considering the adoption of an electric car. Although the difficulties of transitioning from internal combustion vehicles to electric ones are not yet resolved, pollution and public health could greatly benefit from a greater adoption of this type of vehicle. In this article, we will analyze the potential health and environmental benefits of electric vehicles and the barriers that may hinder their adoption by the public.

A study on the health impact of electric vehicles

A study conducted by the University of California in 2019 examined the relationship between the increasing adoption of electric vehicles and public health. In this study, researchers compared data on electric vehicle registration, air pollution, and emergency visits related to asthma in California from 2013 to 2019. The result was clear: for every 20 additional electric vehicles per 1,000 inhabitants, there was a 3.2% decrease in the rate of emergency visits related to asthma and a small suggestive reduction in nitrogen dioxide levels in the air.

Erika García, who participated in the study, states that if research continues to confirm these findings, we must ensure that the communities most affected by air pollution truly benefit from these climate change mitigation efforts.

Challenges for the adoption of electric vehicles

39% of respondents in a recent study are waiting for more attractive financial incentives to be able to purchase an electric vehicle, while 54% still have legitimate doubts about range and daily use. Another factor that will play an important role in the decision to opt for electricity is the cost of electricity.

With the rise in fuel prices at the pump, the cost of electricity has increased from €0.31/kWh on February 1, 2022, to €0.62/kWh. This means that the ownership and maintenance cost of an electric vehicle may be higher than that of a conventional internal combustion vehicle.

What does the future hold for us?

The final version of the Cyberster, MG’s electric roadster, will be unveiled in spring 2023 and will hit our roads in 2024. The announced specifications are promising: 450 HP, 0 to 100 km/h in under 3 seconds, and a range of 800 km. Although electric vehicles offer significant health and environmental benefits, consumers still have to consider the cost of electricity and the uncertainties of range and daily use.

To further encourage consumers to adopt electric vehicles, government measures that enhance financial incentives and the availability of charging points may be necessary. The construction of faster charging facilities could also facilitate the transition to electric vehicles. These efforts will help maximize the potential of electric vehicles in terms of health and environmental protection and allow consumers to fully benefit from the advantages these vehicles offer.