Describe the environmental benefits of electric vehicles.

The choice highlighting reduced dependence on fossil fuels accurately reflects one of the core environmental benefits of electric vehicles (EVs). By operating on electricity rather than gasoline or diesel, EVs help to decrease the overall demand for fossil fuel extraction and consumption. This transition is critical since fossil fuel use is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.

Additionally, as more renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind, are integrated into the electricity grid, the carbon footprint associated with powering electric vehicles can be further reduced. This shift not only promotes cleaner air and lower emissions but also enhances energy security and sustainability by reducing reliance on oil imports and volatile fossil fuel markets.

In contrast, the other choices reflect negative implications rather than benefits. For instance, increased greenhouse gas emissions and higher levels of air pollutants are qualities associated primarily with traditional combustion engine vehicles, while increased energy consumption generally pertains to inefficiencies viewed in some contexts, rather than the environmental advantages that electric vehicles bring to transportation.