Self-Driving Vehicles

The introduction of self-driving vehicles across the United States has impacted the automotive industry in a major way, but they may not be as environmentally friendly as they claim to be.

Tesla is the only car manufacturer available that has a self-driving feature, and no other company has tried to compete with the group. This is in part due to the fact that the technology is still in testing stages for most companies, and Tesla cars are currently the only option. Fully self-driving cars may be even further away than previously thought. 

Sophomore Siraaj Singh said, “The market is not big enough due to the lack of consumers, so there’s not much demand. Recently, Germany and Italy have started to rethink their ban on gas cars due to the lack of demand. Plus, there’s not enough technology yet.” 

Singh referenced the European Union’s landmark decision to ban all cars that emit CO2 by the year 2035. Environmentalists from around the world have voiced concerns about the dangers of carbon emissions damaging the Earth’s atmosphere. An article by National Geographic states gas vehicles in the United States pollute the atmosphere more than anything else.  

The National Geographic Staff wrote, “Vehicles are America’s biggest air quality compromisers, producing about one-third of all U.S. air pollution. […] they leave tailpipes at street level, where humans breathe the polluted air directly into their lungs.”

Electric vehicles would solve this problem, and home charging stations provide a solution to pollution concerns. While Tesla has had their fair share of controversy regarding product recalls and vehicle safety, an electric vehicle will always produce less carbon emissions than a gas-powered counterpart.

Singh acknowledged, “It makes [driving the car] scary in the sense that someone could hack these cars and make you go somewhere else.”

However, concerns still arise over everyday convenience.

Junior George Shcharansky said, “Honestly, I’d probably stick with a gas car over an electric one. Sure, gas cars might be pricier upfront, but they’re way more reliable. Plus, filling up’s a breeze compared to waiting hours to charge an electric car. Yeah, electric might be cheaper in the long run, but I value my time more than saving a few bucks. If electric cars get way faster charging, cheaper to make, and cleaner production methods, then I’d totally reconsider.”

While environmental and safety concerns loom in the minds of consumers nationwide, Tesla may still have a long way to go before these cars are more common than gas-powered vehicles.