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How much coal does an electric car use?

Hi! I’m all about saving the environment, but I know that even electric cars emit greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere. I just got a new job at a botanical garden and the commute to the office is way longer than I expected. How much coal does my new EV use?

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Elaine Duvet · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Your new job sounds like a dream! I always make it a point to visit a lovely botanical garden when I’m exploring a new city. As you can imagine, you’ll be charging your new car quite a bit, especially with your long commute. Here’s what we know about the amount of coal your electric vehicle uses:
  • Every time your electric car is charged, it uses about 70 pounds of coal. This of course depends on the energy mix of the power source from your electricity grid.
  • Most electricity grids rely on various energy sources. Coal and oil only make up about 20% of the U.S. electricity grid.
  • We expect this number to decrease significantly in the next couple of years. Using an electric car provides countless options for sustainable and renewable energy sources.
Battery and fuel production for an electric vehicle generates more carbon emissions than a gasoline car, but over time the efficiency of electric vehicles balances out. While the number of C02 your EV uses may be more than you expected, it’s still less than what a gas-powered car would produce.
Now that you can feel good about your eco-friendly option, make sure your car insurance policy is also giving you good vibes. Did you know most Americans overpay for their car insurance every month? No thanks! \
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