• There are several benefits to electric cars.Red cars image by Catabu from Fotolia.com
  
  With the relatively new invention of efficient electric cars, many consumers are beginning to weigh the environmental benefits of switching to them. With the global concern for reducing the carbon footprint, electric cars will keep improving, and many consumers will begin to see the benefits of electric and switch over. Electric vehicles will also become more effective as a larger portion of the population relies on electric and the recharging grid enlarges, making it easier to recharge these vehicles.
  
  

Reduced Carbon Emissions

• Electric cars are known for their low carbon emissions. Most fully electric cars do not directly produce any carbon emissions at all. However, the vehicle does use energy from the local power grid, which can be supplied by any number of energy types. It is important to maintain an active role in choosing how local power grids are supplied and voice your opinion. If the electricity that is powering your electric car is produced by coal or another form of emissions-producing electricity, then the environmental effects of owning an electric car are nullified.
  
  

Reduced Power Consumption

• Advances in batteries and braking systems have allowed electric cars to become a part of mainstream car production much sooner than many companies envisioned. New battery types have been developed that are lighter and smaller, increasing the car's acceleration. Several companies have developed effective braking systems that convert brake energy back into power to the battery. These brake systems are now being used in both hybrid and pure electric vehicles.
  
  

Improved Efficiency

• Electric cars consume power 10 to 30 percent more efficiently than combustion engines. Electric cars also feature a light weight and aerodynamic frame. Moreover, batteries have been introduced that are more efficient and store larger amounts of energy, which allow vehicles to go farther and faster than ever before. There have also been many improvements to the charging system so it takes less time to fully recharge the battery, and drivers can charge either from standard outlets or larger utility outlets. The less time it takes to charge the battery, the less energy consumed by the car, and less energy consumption impacts the environment less.