By Lexx Thornton
The average age when you go off to college is typically 18. When you get a car, the average age is between 16 and 18, so it’s safe to say many freshmen might have cars when they go off to college (certain HBCUs may vary). When you get a car it’s more than just putting gas in and going, it’s more than just vacuuming out your trunk every once in a while. You really have to be able to take care of your car and you will go through those trial-and-error moments.
When it comes to gas stations there are numerous to choose from like Shell, Chevron, Exxon, Mobil, and BP. But what about those students who drive cars that require EV charging stations? Now students are driving cars such as Teslas – Model 3, Model Y, Model S, Model X, Chevrolets – Bolt EV, Blazer EV, Fords – Mustang Mach-E, F-150 Lightning, and Hyundais – Ioniq 5, Kona Electric all of which are cars that require charging stations.
A few HBCUs such as N.C. A&T as well as Texas A & M have implemented EV charging stations on their campuses. Electric cars (EVs) are generally better for the environment than traditional gasoline-powered vehicles, especially over their full lifespan. The different benefits of electric cars are lower gas emissions, more efficient energy use, better urban air quality, and they pair well with renewable energy.
The air quality in the United States is worsening, with nearly half of Americans breathing unhealthy air in 2025. This marks a significant setback, reversing decades of progress in air pollution control. Though things don’t happen overnight it will take some time to get our climate back to what is feasible for our population. One place to start is with the cars. Electric vehicles compared to traditional gasoline or diesel-powered cars are what can help clean up our air moving forward. Making that switch can help us, one car at a time.