Eco Friendly Driving Habits Tips for Minimizing Your EV s Carbon Footprint

Teslas carbon footprint is finally coming into focus, and its bigger than the company let on in the past

Tesla released its 2022 Impact Report this week, and it gives the clearest picture yet of the electric car companys carbon footprint. Tesla disclosed numbers on its supply chainemissionsfor the first time, which makes its overall carbon footprint much bigger than it has reported in the past.

Last year, the company only disclosed how much greenhouse gas pollution it generated from its direct operations and from customers charging their EVs. Altogether that was roughly equivalent to 2.5 million metric tons of carbon dioxide. But that missed the big picture since supply chain pollution considered indirect emissions often make up a major chunk of a companys carbon footprint.

This year, Tesla finally released data on its supply chain emissions for 2022, which is equivalent to roughly 30.7 million tons of carbon dioxide. Thats a huge change from what the company reported last year.

Thats a huge change from what the company reported last year

The disclosure really highlights how important it is to count up all of a companys direct and indirect emissions. Its especially pertinent with a fight brewing in the US between companies and the Securities and Exchange Commission over how much of those emissions ought to be reported under law.

A companys carbon footprint is usually divvied up into three main groups or scopes. Scope 1 includes direct emissions from its own factories, offices, and vehicles. Scope 2 encompasses emissions from its electricity use, heating, and cooling. Scope 3 comprises all the other indirect emissions from supply chains and the lifecycle of the products a company makes. And there are 15 different categories of emissions within Scope 3 alone to give a sense of how wide-ranging it can be.

Its a common practice for companies to only share their Scope 1 and 2 emissions, which can make its carbon footprint appear much smaller than it actually is. Teslas Scope 1 and 2 emissions, for example, only add up to 610,000 metric tons of CO2 in 2022. Thats minuscule in comparison to the companys indirect Scope 3 emissions.

Last year, the SEC proposed rules that would mandate that all public companies share their Scope 1 and 2 emissions. But what caused the most uproar with that announcement was a stipulation that would also require large companies to report their indirect Scope 3 emissions in certain cases. Since then, the SEC has delayed finalizing the rule, which was supposed to happen in October. And SEC chair Gary Gensler has hinted that the final rule might not mandate Scope 3 disclosures after all, alarming some Democratic lawmakers.

Teslas a great example of what a difference those rules could make. The company has lagged behind other automakers in sharing details about its greenhouse gas emissions. Ford, for example, has garnered Agradesfor its climate change disclosures since 2019, while Tesla earned F grades from the CDP, a nonprofit that evaluates companies environmental reporting.

To be sure, Fords carbon footprint is way bigger than Teslas at more than 337 million metric tons of CO2 in 2022 (nearly all of which are Scope 3 emissions). Thats because Ford sold more than three times as many vehicles as Tesla last year and because most of Fords cars are gas-guzzling. But just because Tesla makes electric vehicles doesnt mean the environmental impact of its own operations is insignificant.

Moreover, Teslas pollution seems to be growing. Thats despite the company revealing the third part of its master plan in March, which aims to achieve sustainable energy for all of Earth.

Those are bold words for a company whose combined scope 1 and 2 emissions climbed nearly 4 percent last year, even as Tesla made strides to make each of its electric vehicles less carbon-intensive. Its harder to see what happened with Teslas supply chain emissions since it didnt reveal those numbers until this year. And as the adage goes, its hard to manage what you dont measure.

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Over 97 percent of scientists agree that humans cause climate change, according to The Nature Conservancy. So, its unsurprising that many people are taking steps to decrease their personal environmental impact.

For some, this means getting behind the wheel of an electric vehicle. In 2022, American EV sales surged to 6 percent of new vehicles sold. Thats according to 8 Billion Trees, a carbon offset organization.

If a climate-conscious vehicle is a top priority for you, consider how driving an EV impacts your carbon footprint. Though theres a carbon cost for manufacturing and charging EVs, studies indicate their lifetime carbon footprint is far lower than driving a conventional car.

What is a carbon footprint?

You dont need a degree in environmental science to drive electric and help the planet. But understanding how your time behind the wheel of an EV affects your carbon footprint can help to make you a more empowered consumer.

Carbon footprint is the amount of emissions that you, as an individual, are responsible for releasing into the environment. Carbon emissions add more carbon dioxide to the atmosphere, contributing to human-driven climate change.

Humans can increase their carbon footprint through many daily tasks such as cooking, heating their homes, using electricity and, of course, driving a vehicle.

Every time you drive your gas-powered vehicle, you release carbon emissions into the air, directly increasing your carbon footprint. But your carbon footprint also includes emissions youre indirectly responsible for such as charging an EV using electricity produced by a coal power plant.

Does driving an electric car reduce your carbon footprint?

Whether driving electric decreases your carbon footprint is one of the most debated conversations in the space.

One camp insists that driving an EV will dramatically decrease your overall carbon footprint due to removing vehicle emissions. The other camp points out emissions created during the EV manufacturing process and by the power plants making electricity to charge EVs. Those offset the positive impact of driving electric, they assert.

While EVs have no tailpipe emissions, the process of making electricity to charge the vehicle can still create carbon pollution.

In a way, when you get behind the wheel of an EV, you arent completely removing carbon from the equation. Instead, youre transferring your emission point to an electrical power source. Depending on where you live, that source could be a coal power plant.

In other words, youre still consuming energy and potentially contributing to emissions when you charge and drive an EV.

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Your actual emissions depend on how electricity in your ZIP code is generated. If you want a more granular view of your EVs impacts, take advantage of The U.S. Department of Energys greenhouse calculator, which factors in your hometown electrical grid.

The only way to be truly emissions-free is by charging from a fully renewable source like wind or solar. But research from the EPA confirms that driving an EV will reduce your individual carbon footprint. A study from the Fuels Institute found that even with present electricity production, battery electric vehicles are less carbon-intensive than gas-powered vehicles after just 19,000 miles of operation.

Think of it this way: A driver behind the wheel of a 2022 Camry will emit 11,177 pounds of carbon per year. Compare that to someone driving a 2022 Hyundai Kona, an EV, which will only release 2,779 pounds of carbon in the same amount of time, according to NYSEG data.

How to calculate your carbon emissions

To compare and contrast how driving an EV will impact your footprint, use an emissions calculator that finds CO2 based on vehicle MPG and miles driven.

EV batteries impact on the environment

As critics note, manufacturing an EVs battery creates more pollution than manufacturing a typical gasoline vehicle. But according to the EPA, lifetime carbon emissions will be lower with an EV even considering battery production due to the removal of any tailpipe emissions.

For example, a sedan powered by a battery will have a higher initial carbon footprint than a conventional sedan. But after an average of one and half years, according to research published in IOP Science, the two footprints match because the EV does not continue to release carbon, whereas the gas-powered sedan does. From that point on, the EV will boast a lower lifetime carbon footprint than the ICE vehicle.

And many companies are working towards a recycling system to reduce the carbon cost of producing batteries. This recycling push will lower emissions created during the production process and lower overall negative environmental impacts.

How to finance an eco-friendly vehicle

Electric vehicles usually carry a higher upfront cost than a gas-powered option. The average new EV cost $58,385 in February 2023, according to Kelley Blue Book. But this higher price tag shouldnt prevent you from buying an EV. Consider the following steps to secure an EV auto loan.

1. Check your credit standing. As with any financial product, securing an auto loan requires lenders to take a look at your credit history. The better your credit score is, the lower your rates will be, which is especially important as EVs tend to cost more.

2. Prequalify for loan. Prequalifying lets you see rates and terms without damaging your score with a hard credit pull.

3. Weigh at least three options. The lender market is expansive. To find the best loan for your needs, it is wise to compare at least three quotes. Consider online lenders, banks and credit unions when shopping around.

4. Appy for the loan. Before you start filling out the application, it is smart to prepare to share information on yourself, the vehicle and insurance.

5. Sign off. Once you have found the best loan for your needs, you can begin making payments and navigating toward full EV ownership.

Not all EVs have luxury prices

When shopping for an EV, consider checking out legacy brands that boast more accessible prices. The Nissan Leaf, for example, starts at $28,040.

Is it more environmentally friendly to buy a new car?

Even if you cant afford an electric vehicle right now, choosing between a new or used gas car can impact pollution. When purchasing a used vehicle, you are avoiding additional pollution created during the manufacturing process. But the older the vehicle is, the worse the fuel economy will likely be. And poorer fuel economy will mean an increase in fuel exhaust emissions.

In the grand scheme of your environmental impact, buying a used over a new car to skip the manufacturing step is only a minor factor in your long-term carbon footprint. This means that over the lifetime of driving a vehicle, a newer car is the greener of the two options as it will tend to boast better MPG and technology.

EV tax credits

You can offset the cost of buying an EV by taking advantage of tax credits. Check out our guide on making the most of the credits.

Driving electric helps your wallet and the planet

As the summer season approaches and our planet rapidly warms, consider switching to an EV when buying your next vehicle. You wont just make small steps to improve the climate by lowering your carbon footprint. Youll also benefit from the added perks of money saved and advanced technology.

More Alternative Energy Resources

Trucks play an indispensable part in the modern supply chain. They deliver our packages, ship our food and transport other essential resources. Without these vehicles, society would struggle to sustain itself.

That said, the adverse effect of trucking is well documented. The carbon emissions from transportation have made a massive impact on the environment. With that in mind, is there a middle ground?

General Truck Emissions

The transportation sector generates the largest share of greenhouse gases in the US. They account for 28% of total emissions and trucks contribute about one-fourth of the pollution. As society's demand for shipped goods rises, atmospheric air pollution increases.

In total, trucks emit 444 million metric tons of carbon dioxide in the U.S. annually. The vast quantity of air pollution generated by large vehicles contributes to various adverse environmental effects. When carbon dioxide invades the atmosphere, it increases heat production, raising the global temperature over time.

Trucks also pollute the environment with sulfur and nitrogen dioxide. As evaporation occurs, these elements combine with rainwater, showering onto crops, forests, buildings, and the ocean. The solution destroys crops, interferes with aquatic life, and harms human health.

Vehicle oil and fuel spills also seep into the soil, rivers, and the ocean. Over time, the substance makes its way into our water supply and food, generating adverse human impacts.

Diesel fuel emits high counts of particulate matter, creating airborne soot and metal particles. When society encounters this air pollutant, they may experience skin and eye irritation. It also invades deep regions of the lungs, causing severe respiratory problems.

Carbon Reduction Methods

As environmental science advances, our sustainable carbon solutions expand. We pass electric vehicles on the street and install solar panels on our rooftops. Environmental engineers are now building eco-friendly trucks, reducing global greenhouse gas emissions.

Electric Vehicles

Most car companies have developed, or are currently developing, electric vehicles. They reduce transportation emissions and eliminate fuel costs. Various companies are working on developing electric truck fleets.

In short, electric trucks can significantly shrink a companys carbon footprint and help them save money. To start, an EVs operating cost is typically lower than that of a traditional engine. They offer the most sustainable form of transportation when charged with renewable energy.

Tesla, Ford, and even Hummer developed electric pickup trucks, so its only a matter of time before their commercial versions hit the market. Until then, companies relying on truck fleets can help develop accessible charging stations across the nation.

As for the residents of that nation, there are always steps you can take to lower your footprint. Whether its installing solar panels on your home, or something smaller like forgoing plastic bags at the grocery store, every small action compounds into something larger.

Frequent Maintenance

When truck fleet managers fail to maintain their vehicles, they risk a reduction in fuel efficiency. Telematics allows professionals to track all vehicle updates and necessary maintenance all in one place. The technology monitors the hours a vehicle runs and engine diagnostics.

Telematics informs managers when its time to replace air filters. This slight improvement can enhance a trucks mileage by 10%, protecting the engine. It also provides information about the grade of motor oil needed in each vehicle.

Using the incorrect motor oil can reduce a trucks efficiency by 2%, causing higher greenhouse gas emissions. The technology helps drivers identify when tire pressure drops or the wheels lose alignment. Properly inflated and aligned tires can improve gas mileage by 3.3%.

Regular tune-ups can also advance your fleet's fuel efficiency, shrinking its carbon footprint and reducing the cost of fuel. Engine maintenance can reduce problems caused by worn spark plugs, transmission problems, and dragging brakes. Telematics technology will inform managers of upcoming tune-up requirements.

Alternative Fuel

Another sustainable truck enhancement involves alternative fuel use. Environmental scientists developed eco-friendly fuel options that reduce or eliminate carbon emissions. Gas generated from biomass alleviates the demand for petroleum and shrinks the footprint of the transportation sector.

Ethanol is a fueling option for eco-friendly trucks. The substance consists of sugarcane and corn. Biodiesel utilizes palm oil, soy, and rapeseed. Companies gather excess food waste and compose alternative fuel options, increasing their sustainability.

Other businesses generate biofuel from non-food feedstock. They utilize algae, grass, wood chips, and municipal waste to repurpose various used materials.

Efficient Driving Habits

Fleet managers are training their drivers in efficiency, providing fuel-saving driving techniques. They teach the workers to drive defensively and not aggressively. Aggressive drivers that accelerate and brake rapidly use between 15% and 30% more fuel on the highway.

Driving the speed limit may also reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Every vehicle has a different efficiency at various speeds, and accelerating to over 50 miles per hour can increase fuel loss. Each 5 mph drivers travel over 50 mph adds $0.21 to the cost of gas per gallon.

The truck drivers also learn idle avoidance. Rather than wasting gas when stopped, workers can turn off their engines. They can additionally utilize cruise control when driving to maintain a consistent speed, taking stress off the vehicle.

Global Positioning System Improvements

Truck fleet owners are implementing improved global positioning systems (GPS) in each vehicle. They provide faster routes with fewer stops, reducing carbon emissions by 30% each trip. Dispatchers may access this information and inform drivers of efficiency interference, providing better courses for their trips.

The technology also reduces idling. Avoiding heavy traffic and stoplights can save a company $1,500 a year on each truck. Depending on the number of vehicles a company has, this number can quickly increase.

Updating Trucks

As vehicles age, they decrease in efficiency. Former President Obama identified this as a significant environmental concern, increasing truck regulations. Obama directed the Environmental Protection Agency and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to hold each truck to an efficiency standard.

Over the past decade, manufacturing companies released more efficient vehicles, reducing air pollution and fuel costs. Eco-friendly companies are ditching their outdated trucks and upgrading to fuel-efficient vehicles. As electric truck fleets meet the market, we can expect to see many businesses dumping their old trucks for the eco-friendly version.

On the Horizon

Over the past few years, electric charging stations grew in numbers. There are also more electric vehicles on the road than ever before. We can expect to see electric and automation technology take over the delivery sector. Though Jeff Bezos claims drones will be the new delivery method, we can expect trucks to remain prevalent in their industry for a long while to come.