Introduction
Future global adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) would result in a considerable reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, offsetting all of the negative effects related to the production process. Compared to vehicles powered by combustion engines, various EV versions emit no tailpipe emissions. According to Verma et al. (2022), EVs might produce 90% fewer greenhouse gas emissions. It suggests that using fossil fuels as a source of energy has a significant negative influence on the environment, whereas electricity may be used effectively with little harm. As a result, EVs have a very positive direct effect on greenhouse gas emission levels, supporting the switch from combustion engine vehicles. Even though electric vehicles are linked to other potential environmental problems, potential benefits for the planet and population outweigh them.
Benefits of Electric Vehicles
Although the creation of EVs now has a negative environmental impact, batteries can be produced using technology that is improved over time. Large amounts of toxic chemicals and heavy metals must be used in the production of EV batteries, endangering both human health and the environment. In addition to large carbon emissions, Dong et al. (2023) highlight the detrimental effects of lithium and cobalt extraction on both workers and the general population. The technology can be enhanced in the future despite the fact that the production method can be hazardous and unethical.
According to Carey (2023), the use of EVs can increase environmental justice in terms of health and lower pollution for people living in areas with the worst environmental conditions. As a result, EVs have a significant potential to improve people’s quality of life while tackling the issue of pollution caused by combustion engines. For the total transition to EVs and the reduction of ecological footprint, the battery production process must be transformed.
Although there are several environmental reasons for making EVs, there will eventually be a change in technology. The cost and practicality of EVs are currently unattractive to regular car owners. According to Xia and Li (2022), there are various battery types that can be employed in electric vehicles today, but they are currently underutilized due to their expensive cost.
By 2025, it is anticipated that the price of lithium-ion batteries, which are thought to have the lowest environmental impact, will have decreased by 70% (Alanazi, 2023). Due to their minimal carbon emissions, EVs will have a greater beneficial environmental impact as the cost of these batteries falls. Widespread adoption of EVs will be able to eliminate the emissions related to fossil fuel extraction as well.
The reduction of dependence on fossil fuels is one of the main long-term benefits of EVs. The move away from gas and oil extraction, which has a severe influence on the environment, can be made possible by renewable energy. Fossil fuel extraction and processing are linked to significant greenhouse gas emissions and pollution, according to Shamoon et al. (2022). Batteries can be reused numerous times and operate on renewable energy sources despite the fact that their manufacturing has some negative environmental effects as well. Less detrimental effects can be produced by using renewable energy sources to assist in solving the issue.
Conclusion
Although EV manufacture has a negative impact on the environment, the long-term benefits of technology adoption are larger. The benefits and drawbacks of EVs, which are difficult to assess in terms of environmental agenda, are based on advocates and detractors of the technology. As a result, the debate results in an acceptance of potential environmental trade-offs associated with the adoption of EVs.
On the one hand, it offers a workable substitute for cutting emissions. However, the detrimental effects of its manufacture are currently more pronounced. The issue will be resolved when the price of lithium-ion batteries falls in the near future, making technology more ecologically friendly. In order to make renewable energy vehicles more common and their manufacture more environmentally benign, individuals must begin the transition to them. Every technology advances to meet the requirements of society, and EVs will be transformed to serve the needs of people.
References
Alanazi, F. (2022). Electric vehicles: Benefits, challenges, and potential solutions for widespread adaptation. Applied Sciences, 13(10), 6016. Web.
Carey, J. (2023). The other benefit of electric vehicles. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 120(3), e2220923120. Web.
Dong, Q., Liang, S., Li, J., Kim, H. C., Shen, W., & Wallington, T. J. (2023). Cost, energy, and carbon footprint benefits of second-life electric vehicle battery use. iScience, 26(7), 107195. Web.
Shamoon, A., Haleem, A., Bahl, S., Javaid, M., Bala Garg, S., Chandmal Sharma, R., & Garg, J. (2022). Environmental impact of energy production and extraction of materials – A review. Materials Today: Proceedings, 57(2), 936-941. Web.
Verma, S., Dwivedi, G., & Verma, P. (2022). Life cycle assessment of electric vehicles in comparison to combustion engine vehicles: A review. Materials Today: Proceedings, 49(2), 217-222. Web.
Xia, X., & Li, P. (2022). A review of the life cycle assessment of electric vehicles: Considering the influence of batteries. Science of The Total Environment, 814. Web.