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Do electric cars need coal?

My friend said that electric cars aren’t actually eco-friendly because they still run off coal. How can that be? Do electric cars need coal?

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Bellina Gaskey · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Great question! No, electric cars don’t need coal. Currently they’re still operating off an electric grid that depends on coal though. Once our electric grid no longer uses coal, neither will electric cars.
The idea that electric cars run off coal seems ridiculous, but in a round-about way, its true. Electric cars get plugged into the electric grid, which is largely powered by coal right now.
So from a mean-and-green perspective, electric cars do have a carbon footprint. However, that footprint is much smaller than their gas powered counterparts.
Until all electric cars are solar-powered, or we successfully decarbonize the grid, electric cars will still have a carbon footprint. Electric vehicles are still more eco-friendly than a regular vehicle in the meantime.
Whether your car runs on gasoline or electric power you always need insurance.
Jerry
, the number one car insurance comparison app will help you find the best rates.
MORE: What Will Happen to Gas Stations as We Switch to Electric
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