Zero-Emission Vehicles: Meaning Types, Working and Benefits

Global warming and climate change are rising at an alarming rate. As a result, nations are taking drastic measures to defend our planet from the evil powers of pollution.

Air pollution is one of the prime factors that cause global warming, and a growing number of automobile owners contribute to further damage to the environment. Zero-emission vehicles help address this issue.

The answer to what a zero-emission vehicle is quite self-explanatory.

These are vehicles that do not emit harmful or toxic gas from their internal combustion. Zero-emission vehicles are light-duty cars, and trucks do not work on petrol or diesel but on other driving agents.

Hydrogen-based or battery-driven electric vehicles are two of the most used zero-emission vehicles. As these vehicles do not use petroleum or other fuels, they do not emit any form of greenhouse gases from their tailpipe.

Introducing such ZEVs contributes to lower air pollution and global warming. Therefore, many nations are taking the initiative to popularise the manufacturing and usage of these vehicles.

Now that we understand the meaning of zero-emission vehicles, let's find their types. Below are four popular types of zero-emission vehicles:

1. Conventional Vehicles

These are simple vehicles which we have used for a very long time. They are not motor driven or require any petroleum or electricity to function.

Bicycles and animal-driven carriages are the best examples of land zero-emission vehicles. They do not emit harmful gases as they do not burn any fuel.

Similarly, vehicles like boats and watercraft sail with the wind and are zero-emission vehicles.

2. Electric vehicles (EV)

Vehicles like cars, scooters, trains and buses run on electric batteries and do not release toxic gas into our environment.

With the advancement of technology, such vehicles are gaining popularity today. These electric vehicles do not use fossil fuels like petroleum or coal to function. Instead, they run on batteries that require charging after certain intervals. Therefore, they do not pollute our surroundings with harmful greenhouse gases.

3. Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles (HFCV)

These are quite similar to electric vehicles as both work on electric motors. However, unlike EVs, HFCVs generate energy from hydrogen stored in fuel cells.

Hydrogen gas from such vehicle's fuel tanks combines with oxygen in the fuel cells to generate electricity. Consequently, FCV emits water vapour as its by-product, which is safe for our environment.

HFCV does not produce any toxic waste. It also does not create sound pollution as these automobiles emit no engine noises.

4. Solar-Powered Vehicles

Like hydrogen fuel vehicles and electric automobiles, solar-powered vehicles run on electrical power. It contains a solar panel to absorb sunlight, which it converts into electricity to power the car.

Since solar automobiles do not use fossil fuels, it is a zero-emission vehicle which does not pollute the environment.

ZEVs work on electric batteries that require regular recharging. Given below are a few types of zero-emission vehicles and their working principle.

• Solar Powered Automobiles: Solar cars come with solar panels on their roofs. These panels are made of photovoltaic cells made with silicon and an alloy of nitrogen, gallium and indium. Such elements are photosensitive and can convert light energy to electricity. Batteries made with lithium, iron and nickel store this electricity which powers these vehicles. You can charge your solar automobile anytime throughout the day under the open sun.
• Electric Vehicles: You need to charge your electric vehicles from charge points. This electricity is then stored in rechargeable batteries, which convert to power when you turn on your automobile. As many countries encourage electric modes of transportation, you can find several public charging stations throughout their cities.
• Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles: FCV uses charged ions of hydrogen that it stores in its fuel cells to run these automobiles. These ions flow across electrolyte solutions to convert chemical energy to electric energy. FCVs also use oxygen for this process. As the reaction progresses, hydrogen and oxygen blend to form water and electricity. FCV emits this water vapour as its by-product.

Zero Emission Vehicles have little or no impact on the environment. However, there are consequences of not using Zero Emission Vehicles as the others cause severe harm. Mentioned below are some impacts of using other vehicles instead of Zero Emission Vehicles:

• Impact of Petroleum and Fossil Fuel Powered Vehicles: Vehicles that run on petroleum or other fossil fuels cause serious harm to our environment. For instance, smoke from cars contains carbon monoxide and hazardous hydrocarbons. When we inhale these gases, we tend to succumb to various lung and skin diseases such as cancer and bronchitis. Furthermore, these emissions lead to the depletion of the ozone layer, which increases global warming. Erratic climate changes, extreme summers and winters, rising sea levels and melting glaciers are some impacts of global warming. Also, fuel-burning vehicles emit greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, which negatively influence our climate.
• Impact of Natural Resource Powered Vehicles: Several nations are popularising the use of zero-emission vehicles to address the concern of global warming and increasing pollution. Vehicles that run on electricity, solar energy, wind energy and workforce do not emit harmful gas. Therefore, they do not pollute our ecosystem. Secondly, owing to overpopulation, there is a rampant purchase of cars and other modes of transportation. Consequently, there is an increase in fossil fuel consumption. However, as petroleum, coal, and natural gas are non-renewable resources, rampant consumption will cease their existence one day. Therefore, shifting to natural resources like solar, wind, water, and electric energy can help preserve these depleting resources.

Apart from being environment–friendly, ZEVs offer several benefits that improve your driving experience.

• High Performance Despite Low Maintenance: When drivers start their cars, they receive a strong driving force. This happens due to the maximum torque which zero-emission cars generate. This brilliant performance makes ZEVs a fun ride for every passenger. Moreover, this efficient and high performance does not require high maintenance and servicing. You need to recharge your car cells to experience such a smooth ride.
• Great Efficiency: Zero-emission vehicles perform with the most scientific technology. Therefore, they are more efficient rides than their petroleum counterparts. To understand this, let's consider an example of electric cars. Electric vehicles that run on batteries have an energy efficiency of up to 62%. This means they can convert a high amount of electricity to power. In contrast, cars which run on fossil fuels can be 21% energy efficient.
• Zero Harm to Environment: As we become more cautious about our environment, we opt for organic solutions to conserve nature. ZEVs serve this purpose. Unlike fossil fuel-driven cars that emit minimal toxic gases and hydrocarbons, ZEVs have no emissions. Likewise, bicycles and animal-driven carriages use manpower; hence they have no harmful emissions. HFCVs, on the other hand, emit water vapour only, which does not harm our environment in any form.

Like every other machine, zero-emission vehicles also have some disadvantages. Given below are a few disadvantages of ZEVs.

• Takes a Long Time to Charge the Battery: Unlike mobiles and other electronic devices, vehicles with electric batteries take quite a long time to recharge. It takes 8 hours to charge their battery fully. It takes 30 minutes to charge 80%, even in fast charging stations. Unlike petroleum cars, drivers of electric cars must plan their trips more carefully. Like visiting petrol pumps, halting for a battery recharge is not short and instant.
• Covers Short Distance: Even though ZEVs offer great performance, they have a shorter travelling range than their petroleum counterparts. Most petroleum cars travel 300 miles; in contrast, ZEVs can run only for 60-120 miles with 100% battery. This makes zero-emission vehicles less suitable for very long road trips.
• Most Zero-Emission Vehicles Are Expensive: Electric cars and scooters are pretty expensive than vehicles which run on petroleum. As a result, everyone cannot afford them, especially in third-world countries. Also, zero-emission public vehicles like trains or buses charge higher fares than conventional vehicles. Moreover, batteries for these vehicles are also costly. Therefore, you have to pay a large amount to purchase new ones. This discourages potential buyers of electric vehicles as they are not very pocket friendly