Sustainability is all about reducing consumption and only buying what you truly need.
So, when it comes to cars, does that mean you should hold onto your trusty old gas car rather than upgrading to an electric vehicle (EV)? In many cases, the answer may be yes.
The Case for Keeping Your Old Car
If your current vehicle is already getting great fuel economy and you don’t drive it very often, the greenest choice may be to simply hang onto it for a few more years. Why change something when it’s already working well?
All your car needs is some TLC. Simply keep up with the maintenance schedules and maintain good driving habits.
The Environmental Impact of Manufacturing
One common misconception is that electric cars are automatically better for the environment. While it’s true that EVs produce zero direct emissions during driving, the manufacturing process does come with a significant environmental impact. The mining of rare minerals for EV batteries, in particular, can be resource-intensive and disruptive.
Some environmental experts say that this upfront impact is eventually offset by the emissions savings from driving an electric car – after around 13,000 miles of driving according to engineers.
So, critically, how long would it take to clock those miles before you can say you’re now contributing to green commuting?
Affordability Concerns
For many consumers, the price tag of an electric car can be a major deterrent. While costs are coming down and incentives are becoming more widely available, a new or even used EV may still be out of reach. Keeping your old, paid-off car can be the more budget-friendly option.
The wise thing to do is prioritize your needs over your wants when purchasing an EV. So, if your small or midsize SUV will get the job done, it doesn’t make any sense to indulge in the extra space.
