Catalytic converters were introduced more effectively in 1975-every internal combustion engine had to have one.
This is simply a car part that converts engine emissions into less harmful particles. It is located in the exhaust systems and converts the gasses by heating.
So, do electric cars have catalytic convertors? Electric cars are emissions-free hence the need for catalytic converters in them is nonexistent. These cars do not even have exhaust components, what for?
This car component has been installed in modern cars for years and the idea that a car can run without one must raise questions within you.
Below is detailed information about electric cars, catalytic converters, and why the former lacks the latter.
Contents
Why is a catalytic convertor absent in the electric car?
The legal system had every right to effect the catalytic converter law, the harmful gasses contained in the exhaust gasses can be dangerous. They include nitrous oxide and carbon monoxide among other components.
With the catalytic converter in place, these gasses are introduced into the atmosphere in the form of carbon dioxide, nitrogen and oxygen-these are not as harmful.
An electric vehicle does not have an internal combustion engine, it runs on electricity. It generates power from motors that have little or no emissions. With these green features in place, the electric vehicle does not in any way require a catalytic convertor.
These smart cars use power stored in strategically located batteries. This mode of propulsion is less harmful to the environment since its emissions are greatly reduced if not eliminated.
The fact that these cars do not employ petroleum in their propulsion eliminates the need to install catalytic converters since their use is not there.
Catalytic converters play a crucial role in cleaning emissions but some pollutants still escape into the atmosphere- EVs are the greenest way to go.
Why Do Hybrid Cars Need Catalytic Converters?
As the name suggests, these are cars that combine different modes of propulsion to run-probably to compensate when one fails.
Hybrid cars use both electric motors and internal combustion engines (ICE) to generate power. One fascinating fact is that they can use the two power sources simultaneously or independently. The combined option comes in handy when some extra boost is needed.
Why do hybrid cars need catalytic convertors?
They run on both electric and internal combustion engines. The former is environmentally safe but the latter needs a catalytic convertor to handle the exhaust emissions. So, the car might be electric but the ICE necessitates a catalytic convertor.
Hybrid cars can charge the electric battery by regenerative braking. This is a technique that enables the system to put to use energy generated when brakes are affected.
Other charging options include wall charging or power generated by the internal combustion engine.
Hybrid electric cars can be completely green if run on electric power alone-in this case the catalytic converter can be eliminated.
When the battery runs down, however, the car will automatically switch to the ICE in which case the catalytic convertor will play its role.
To understand better, below is a comparison list.
| Car Type | Catalytic converter |
| Electric car | Absent |
| ICE vehicle | Present |
| Hybrid car | Present |
| Plug-in hybrid car. | present |
Do Electric Vehicles Produce Zero Emissions?
Yes, electric cars can be said to be green although partially charged car batteries release small amounts of carbon monoxide.
There are research reports that blame some emissions on electric cars’ braking but that cannot be compared to the menace internal combustion engines create.
Another source of strong criticism for electric cars is the fact that they run on power generated by plants that burn fossil fuels. This argument has gained traction over the years and led to the labeling of electric cars as indirect polluters.
One thing stands out, however, with electric cars, the emissions are less.
Take Away
Electric vehicles receive praise and criticism in equal measure as far as their green approach to propulsion is concerned.
Some experts claim their batteries produce harmful gasses, others refer to the power plants that produce the electricity but we can all agree that EVs are safer than ICEs.
