There’s more to driving than getting from point A to point B. Along the way, your car emits carbon dioxide, chemicals and other harmful substances into the air as the engine burns fossil fuels. The sheer number of fuel-consuming vehicles on the road today is believed to be a significant contributor to climate change. It’s no surprise that people seeking to reduce carbon emissions and improve the health of our environment look to automotive transportation for reforms that will make a real impact. In fact, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, a single passenger vehicle produces 4.7 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year.1 When you multiply that by the millions of vehicles on earth, it’s easy to see why many car companies are embracing the alternative fuel trend and producing more electric vehicles (EVs) for public use. With a more informed and educated consumer populace that is becoming ever more conscientious of their environmental impact, the demand for cleaner vehicles is growing exponentially. Although America has yet to see a mass electric vehicle takeover, other parts of the world are hopping onboard and committing themselves to these more environmentally friendly vehicles. Toyota is one of the companies gearing up to convert to a greener fleet of vehicles and is eyeing the United States’ growing alternative fuel market for a chance to reinvent the automobile as we know it.

History of Electric Vehicles

Believe it or not, the electric car is older than the petroleum-powered vehicles we’re familiar with today. Because there were so many regions of the world making advancements in automobile technology at the same time, it can be difficult to determine who first invented the electric-powered car. While many individuals across Europe and in the Americas began working on electric vehicles in the early- to mid-1800s, most inventions were simply small-scale prototypes that weren’t practical for use on real roads. Robert Anderson, a British scientist and inventor, is recognized as the creator of the first electric carriage, but practical electric cars wouldn’t come around until the latter half of the 19th century. In the United States, a chemist named William Morrison developed the first successful, American-made electric car in 1890, starting a decades-long rise in the popularity of these vehicles among Americans. Unlike steam-powered cars, which were impractical, and gasoline-powered ones, which stank and were difficult to drive, electric cars were quiet, clean and easy to operate. With the increasing prevalence of in-home electricity, these cars were often more convenient to own. Despite their popularity with the public and great inventors like Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, electric vehicles became more obsolete with innovations in combustion engines, the sudden boom in crude oil production and the affordability of Ford’s Model T. By the ‘30s, electric cars were a thing of the past, and gas-powered vehicles were king.

Benefits of Driving Electric

Although electric vehicles fell out of style soon after their inception, there are still plenty of reasons to drive electric. There may not be many solely electric-powered vehicles on the market today, but taking the time to find the right one for you could pay off. One of the most commonly cited benefits of choosing electric is the impact (or lack thereof) on the environment. EVs are powered by the same electricity in your home, and while it isn’t entirely emission-free, driving one can significantly reduce your carbon footprint, which helps to maintain a cleaner, healthier world. In addition, the United States relies heavily on petroleum to power its vehicles, to the tune of almost nine billion barrels per year.2 Severing our connection to fossil fuel resources can help protect the American economy from costly gasoline price hikes and supply shortages. While the greater good is important, many people want to know how driving an EV can possibly benefit them as an individual. EVs are more responsive than gasoline-powered vehicles, ensuring better performance on the road. They’re also uniquely convenient for drivers. Rather than going out of your way to fill up at the nearest or cheapest gas station, you can simply plug your car in when you get home from work every day, and it’ll be ready to go by the morning. Depending on the voltage of your outlet, your car could be fully charged in as little as an hour!

Future Plans

Toyota has made a commitment to greener vehicle operation in order to reduce their effects on the environment. While they’ve partnered with Tesla to promote electric vehicles, they are also innovators, producing battery electric, plug-in hybrid, hydrogen fuel cell and normal hybrid models to appeal to consumers around the world. While most of Toyota’s current line of vehicles is still gas-powered, they’ve recently launched a new initiative to adapt all their models to electric engines by 2025. By 2030, Toyota hopes to sell 5.5 million electric vehicles to compete with green powerhouse Tesla. Worried about the cost of buying and operating an EV? Toyota has that covered, too. They’ve announced a partnership with Panasonic to make batteries for their vehicles smaller, lighter and more affordable, so you can get even more mileage out of your current battery and avoid breaking the bank when it’s time to replace it. The two companies are hoping to release their modified battery by 2020. Learn More About Toyota’s Line of Electric Vehicles at Toyota of Seattle Toyota is leading the way in creating more responsible vehicles for more conscientious consumers. The benefits of buying electric may even outweigh the current market scarcity of affordable electric models. If you’d rather wait for Toyota to make the switch, though, a new Toyota vehicle could be the next best thing for those seeking a model with excellent fuel economy, performance and style. At Toyota of Seattle, we know buying a car is a huge decision. That’s why we’ll never use pushy sales tactics or bait-and-switch pricing. You’ll always receive our best vehicles at the best price around. Want to skip the dealership experience and get your dream car sooner? Our Toyota of Seattle Online Express Store allows you to browse our inventory, get financing and order your vehicle completely online. Contact us online or call 206-382-4300 to schedule your test drive today! 1 https://www.epa.gov/greenvehicles/greenhouse-gas-emissions-typical-passenger-vehicle 2 https://www.energy.gov/eere/electricvehicles/electric-vehicle-benefits