Electic cars have gained traction as an integral part of the global automotive landscape, and many major carmakers now offer them on their rosters. EVs, which range from small urban hatchbacks to large SUVs, are touted as an essential component of the transition to sustainable transportation. They lack the greenhouse gas emissions of traditional cars and trucks, and they can operate on renewable electricity, which is a cleaner alternative to oil.

However, it’s important to understand that EVs are not without their environmental burdens, even when compared with gasoline-powered vehicles. Producing, operating, and disposing of EVs generates significant greenhouse-gas emissions, as well as other environmental burdens from the extraction of the raw materials that go into batteries and the power plants that juice them up. To assess the full environmental impact of EVs, their entire life cycle must be considered—from cradle to grave.

Eclectic Cars: Embracing Variety in Electric Transportation

The good news is that EVs have been getting cheaper and more efficient over time, and there are many financial incentives to help drivers afford them, including one-time purchase grants and tax credits; exemptions from road tolls and congestion charges; and rebates on yearly registration and licensing fees. Many EVs are also equipped with regenerative braking systems that slow the vehicle and recapture energy to recharge the battery, reducing wear on conventional brakes.

The ranges of EVs have also been improving: Some models now claim to have manufacturer-reported driving ranges of more than 500 miles, and the number of charging stations has expanded across much of the world. Still, some motorists are reluctant to switch to an EV, fearing they will run out of energy on a long trip. But the reality is that, with careful planning, an EV can accommodate most typical commutes and road trips, provided there are charging stations en route.