Question

unit 1: free write questions: use your knowledge from this unit to help you answer these short answer questions. be sure to write your answers in complete sentences. 21. electric vehicles often have been proposed as an environmentally sound alternative to the gasoline engine for transportation. in response to state initiatives, several car manufacturers now include electric vehicles among their available models. in spite of these state initiatives, the penetration of electric vehicles into the transportation sector of the united states, as well as other countries, remains modest. a. identify and describe two environmental benefits to using electric vehicles in place of gasoline - powered engines for transportation.

Explanation:

Electric vehicles (EVs) offer significant environmental benefits compared to gasoline - powered engines. One key benefit is the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Since EVs run on electricity (which can be generated from renewable sources like solar or wind), they produce zero tailpipe emissions. This helps in combating climate change by reducing the amount of carbon dioxide and other pollutants released into the atmosphere. Another benefit is the reduction of air pollutants such as nitrogen oxides ($NO_x$) and particulate matter. Gasoline engines are major contributors to these pollutants, which have negative impacts on human health (e.g., respiratory problems) and the environment (e.g., acid rain formation). EVs, without a combustion engine, eliminate these harmful emissions from the transportation sector.

Answer:

One environmental benefit is the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions as EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions (which can be from renewable electricity sources). Another is the reduction of air pollutants (like $NO_x$ and particulate matter) compared to gasoline - powered engines.