The electric revolution is upon us as the world moves away from conventional internal combustion engines. With the impending legislations driven by environmental concerns, the shift towards electric vehicles seems to be a step towards a greener future. However, is this assumption truly as straightforward as it appears?
What we need is a closer examination of the lifecycle of a vehicle; to scrutinise it in its entirety, from production, to use and, finally, to disposal. Only a comprehensive evaluation can provide a more informed and holistic perspective on the true impact of electric vehicles on the environment.
Environmental Impact Of EV Manufacturing
Starting with battery manufacturing, the United States shift towards electric vehicles, while commendable in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, may result in disastrous environmental consequences.
According to new research by the Climate and Community Project and the University of California, the nation’s transition could require threefold the amount of lithium currently produced globally, leading to a multitude of ecological and social issues, including water scarcity, land appropriation from Indigenous communities, and degradation of ecosystems both domestically and internationally.
The composition of electric vehicle batteries – including materials such as nickel, lithium, cobalt, and others – raises concerns about their environmental impact. The extraction of these minerals, which requires a significant amount of energy, often occurs in areas with poor environmental standards.
As an illustration, consider the lithium mining operations ongoing in Argentina. As reported by Time, this South American nation boasts a remarkable 21% of the global lithium reserves, and proposals are in place to establish an additional 13 mines, apart from the two that are already operational. It raises serious concerns among environmentalists, who fear the devastating consequences of such mining activities on the delicate ecosystem, leading to rampant destruction, corruption, and exploitation of the nation’s precious natural resources, all in the pursuit of a so-called “green revolution.”
Environmental Impact of Reliance on Energy Sources
Despite EVs being zero-emission at the tailpipe, their environmental impact is contingent on the source of the electricity used to charge them. If the energy used to power electric cars originates from a fossil fuel-based power plant, EVs could still result in significant greenhouse gas emissions.
In fact, the notion of “carbon-free” electricity is a fallacy, as even the most environmentally-friendly energy sources are not immune to the production of greenhouse gases. Take, for instance, wind turbines and solar panels – their production, transportation, and maintenance, although crucial for their functioning, inevitably result in the generation of carbon dioxide.
Environmental Impact of Battery Disposal
Proper disposal of used batteries from EVs presents a challenge as they contain hazardous substances, such as heavy metals, lithium, and cobalt. Improper disposal can be detrimental to both the climate and human health. Currently, the recycling options for used EV batteries are limited, making proper disposal even more critical. However, the International Council on Clean Transportation (IICT) is optimistic about recycling and repurposing.
According to the IICT, the outlook for battery recycling is optimistic and holds great potential for mitigating the environmental impact of batteries. The organisation predicts that a considerable portion of batteries will be recycled, leading to a substantial reduction in the greenhouse gas emissions associated with their production and disposal. However, the extent to which battery recycling will truly mitigate the environmental impact remains to be seen and will require careful monitoring and evaluation.
What Do The Studies Say?
A 2020 study by Polestar highlights the stark contrast in carbon emissions between traditional gasoline and electric vehicles. The study found that a gasoline-powered Volvo XC40 emits a staggering 41 metric tons of carbon dioxide over its lifetime on the road, while the electric Polestar 2 releases a comparatively minimal 23 metric tons of CO2, assuming worldwide electricity production. This figure plummets to just 15 metric tons of CO2 if the EV is charged with electricity created in Europe and reaches an astonishingly low 0.4 metric tons of CO2 if juiced up entirely with wind turbine-produced energy.
On the other hand, Polestar reveals a contrasting picture regarding the carbon footprint associated with the manufacturing process of these vehicles. The traditional gasoline-powered Volvo XC40 results in the emission of 16.1 metric tons of CO2. In comparison, the manufacturing of the electric Polestar 2 has a carbon footprint of 26.2 metric tons of CO2 – a significantly higher figure.
Additionally, a conventional petrol-powered vehicle is responsible for a staggering 58 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions over its entire lifespan. Alternatively, the emissions generated by an electric vehicle range from 27 to 50 metric tons, depending on the source of the electricity that powers the car.
Summary
Electric cars are hailed as the future and the green alternative to traditional vehicles, but the environmental impact of EVs goes beyond tailpipe emissions. The shift to EVs requires increased lithium production, which can lead to water scarcity, land appropriation, degradation of ecosystems, etc. The energy source used to power EVs also affects their environmental impact, as “carbon-free” electricity is a fallacy. Even wind turbines and solar panels are not immune to greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, proper disposal of EV batteries containing hazardous substances is a challenge and requires careful monitoring and evaluation.
Read more on Electric vehicles here: https://yourprimecar.com/how-the-covid-19-pandemic-increased-ev-sales/
