Vehicle exhaust not only emits an unpleasant odor but poses severe health risks.
Pollution from cars, trucks, planes, trains, and boats contributes significantly to climate change and public health issues.
The transportation sector is one of the largest sources of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, responsible for 25% of the state's total emissions. Vehicle exhaust contains a variety of pollutants, including particulate matter (PM), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and carbon dioxide. These pollutants, while often overlooked, have devastating effects on human health.
Climate and Public Health Benefits of Electric Vehicles in Minnesota
In 2016, transportation surpassed the power sector as the leading source of U.S. greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. While Minnesota has made commendable strides to reduce GHG emissions.
EVs present a major opportunity for reducing climate-change-causing emissions. Over their lifetime, EVs emit fewer GHGs than gasoline-powered cars, even when accounting for emissions from battery production and mining. In fact, EVs work off any upfront emissions within 6 to 16 months of use.
Additionally, as Minnesota’s electric grid becomes cleaner with more renewable energy sources like wind and solar, the emissions from EVs will continue to decrease over time. A study by the International Council on Clean Transportation found that EVs already emit 60-68% fewer GHGs than their gasoline counterparts.
In 2022, 55% of its electricity come from renewable sources, including wind, solar, and carbon-free options like hydro-power and nuclear power—an increase from the previous year. As coal plants continue to retire and wind and solar capacity grows, EV emissions per mile will continue to drop.
Public Health Benefits of EVs
Gasoline-powered vehicles are not just a climate threat—they also harm public health. On-road and off-road vehicles account for 38% of total air pollution, emitting harmful substances like carbon monoxide, particulate matter, and nitrogen oxides. These pollutants contribute to respiratory diseases and can cause premature death. Nationally, road transportation emissions are responsible for 53,000 premature deaths annually, making it the largest contributor to deaths from air pollution.
Vehicles produce approximately 35% of nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter, and 20% of volatile organic compounds, which all contribute to ground-level ozone pollution. According to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) and the Department of Health, PM2.5 and ground-level ozone are responsible for up to 4,000 deaths each year in the state, along with 500 hospitalizations and 800 emergency room visits.
Reducing these emissions is critical not only for improving the health but also for addressing the disproportionate impact of pollution on under-resourced communities. These communities, particularly communities of color, are often located near busy roadways and face higher levels of air pollution. MPCA models show that 32% of Minnesota’s communities have air pollution-related risks above health guidelines, but that figure rises to 46% in under-resourced communities and a staggering 91% in communities of color.
EVs produce fewer emissions than traditional vehicles in nearly every U.S. state, and as the electric grid continues to de-carbonize, their environmental impact will only improve. Fresh Energy is committed to advancing policies that support a carbon-free future, ensuring that the benefits of clean transportation are felt by everyone, especially those most vulnerable to air pollution.
Are Electric Cars Really More Environmentally Friendly?
Video by SciShow
