Helping the environment, one EV at a time.

This Wednesday, April 22, we celebrate the 50^th anniversary of Earth Day. Earth Day was first organized in 1970 in an effort to create awareness and support for environmental protection. Each year, events are organized around the world to remind us all of the importance of protecting our planet.

One such event that has been organized is "Drive Electric Earth Day", which aims to educate the public of the environmental impact of choosing an electric vehicle.

To understand the need for vehicles that are environmentally friendly, it is important to understand the impact that traditional means of transportation are making on our environment.

What is air pollution?

According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, "air pollution refers to the release of pollutants into the air that are detrimental to human health and the planet as a whole." Most air pollution is a result of burning fossil fuels. Approximately one-third of air pollution in the US is a result of on-road vehicles.

Why is air pollution a problem?

Various health problems are thought to be caused by air pollution, including cancer, asthma, and heart disease, among others. In addition, the release of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, into the atmosphere leads to global warming.

What is global warming?

Global warming refers to the gradual increase in the temperature of the earth's atmosphere. Since the pre-industrial period (between 1850 and 1900), the earth's average temperature has risen by about 1.8 degrees Fahrenheit. As technology and human activity has accelerated, so as the rate of increase, and the earth's average temperature is currently rising by about .36 degrees Fahrenheit per decade. (Source: NASA)

Why is global warming a problem?

We have already begun to see changes in weather patterns as a result of global warming. Droughts and heat waves have become and will continue to become, more intense. Precipitation patterns have shifted, which could lead to increased flooding, and storms have the likelihood of becoming more intense as well. Because arctic ice is melting as the atmosphere warms, the sea level is rising. A variety of negative effects linked to climate change are already taking place across the world, and will worsen in coming years if we do not take steps to reverse the damage that has been done.

Aside from the impact of eliminating tailpipe emissions, electric vehicles also have the environmental advantage of energy efficiency. Much of the energy utilized by gasoline-fueled vehicles is wasted, whereas 77% of the energy consumed by an electric vehicle is converted directly to movement of the vehicle. (Source: fueleconomy.gov)

Besides being energy efficient, and environmentally friendly, electric vehicles are also cost efficient. While the upfront cost to purchase an electric vehicle tends to be a bit more than a gasoline-fueled vehicle, the cost of electricity as fuel is at least 50% less than that of gasoline, when compared mile to mile.

If a new vehicle is not in your plans for the near future, consider helping to reduce air pollution in another way, such as riding a bike, walking or carpooling to your destination. Even small changes can have a positive impact on our environment.

If you are interested in purchasing an electric vehicle, be sure to contact our energy advisor, Jeremy Myers, for more information on our 1-EV pilot program: (309)664-9221 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.