The burning of gasoline in cars is a major contributor to air pollution, releasing a variety of harmful substances into the atmosphere. A typical passenger vehicle emits around 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) per year, and some electric cars have built-in generators that produce carbon monoxide (CO). Governments are introducing legislation to reduce emissions from cars, and new technologies such as hybrid cars, electric cars and alternative fuels are helping to reduce the amount of pollutants released into the air. When gasoline is burned in a car engine, it produces a variety of pollutants, including CO2, carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Every gallon of gasoline burned creates about 8,887 grams of CO2.Most purely electric cars don't produce carbon monoxide, but some electric cars have built-in generators, sometimes called range extenders, and a very small fuel tank. When the car battery runs out, the fuel-powered generator activates to recharge the car battery, then shuts down and returns the car to electrical power. Therefore, some electric cars produce carbon monoxide. Since 1993, car manufacturers have had to comply with a series of European emission standards that set maximum limits for harmful substances emitted by new cars.
Keyless controls and ignition cards offer drivers the convenience of having only one key fob near the car so that the vehicle responds to various controls. Fuel-efficient vehicles that use less oil, cleaner fuels that produce lower emissions, and electric cars and trucks are new innovations that have gained popularity over the past decade. The large number of people and cars on the roads compensate for these improvements in emissions standards and technology. Diesel vehicles are particularly in the spotlight because of the emissions they produce, as they are considered to be more polluting than gasoline cars.
These emissions can reduce the quality of the air around us, especially in large cities that are congested with cars. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), today's cars are 98 to 99 percent cleaner for most tailpipe contaminants compared to the 1960s. However, until thorough testing and research is carried out, it is impossible to predict or know which vehicles lose carbon monoxide. If you drive mostly short distances around town and occasionally longer distances, a plug-in hybrid is ideal; whereas if you take a variety of different trips, a gasoline car might still be your best option.Car emissions increase levels of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
The Government wants to pass legislation to improve standards after a recent report by the Air Quality Expert Group said that dust from car brakes and tires would still pollute the air, even when cars are fully electric.
