Automobiles powered by electricity have been out in public for quite some time. Some individuals have one, while others do not. Gas-powered cars still rule the road, along with gas stations. However, how much longer will EVs replace gasoline cars? How much longer will there only be charging stations available? Hopefully, not anytime soon since there are worries regarding vehicles powered by electricity.
EVs have been having problems ranging from long-distance driving to battery charge time, price, and silencing speed. Others include cars that suddenly go up in flames and battery life. EV batteries have a short life. They do not last long. They take hours or days to charge. The electric range shortens when other features, such as the heater, are turned on. An example is Tim Levin. He had to decide whether to turn on or off the warmth in his electrically powered automobile. The mileage range reduced when he turned on the heat, which raises concern about the safety of the car, similar to when driving gasoline vehicles. There are cases where people freeze to death inside their gasoline vehicles. There are also cases where they are stranded because they cannot get to a safe area.
Electric-powered automobiles are not better for the environment than gas-powered cars. The rate of fossil fuel consumption in EVs is lower than in gas-filled cars after the batteries are produced. However, EV batteries use more energy than lead-acid batteries, based on the cumulative energy demand (CED). Also, when electric car batteries degrade and corrode over time, they release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. This goes the same way with a deteriorated gasoline engine. The only difference between this and degrading engines on gas is that electric vehicle batteries emit more greenhouse gases. Damages to lithium-ion battery cells (which contain individual batteries) pose a danger not only to individuals but to society. Heat and energy levels rise, and extreme temperatures can lead to explosions. When that happens, it takes tons of water to put out an EV fire, such as a Tesla Model S or F-150 Lightning pickup.
The disposal of lithium-ion batteries has a negative impact on the environment. Lithium-ion batteries often end up in landfills or other inappropriate areas when they are not useful anymore. As a result, they ignite combustion, as shown in many incidents. Examples include a fire that broke out at the Shoreway Environmental Center in San Carlos, California and an abandoned building in Morris, Illinois. Lithium-ion batteries that were placed incorrectly in the recycling cart in San Carlos started a fire. The owner kept the batteries in a building in Morris, where water dripping from the roof ignited them. Lithium-ion batteries were found in the garbage trucks with recycled materials that sparked the fire.
The mining process for lithium also has an impact on the environment and neighbors. Lithium is extracted from salt flats, where miners pump mineral-rich brine to the surface. It then enters salt evaporation ponds and various stages of processing before becoming usable lithium. As a result of this process, it disrupts the terrain and water resources. It uses gallons of water, which has an effect on access to water for local farmers and communities. It also contaminates the lakes, seas, and land animals as toxic wastewater leaks into the lakes. Examples include events in China and the Salar de Atacama. In China, sea and land animals died from water contamination after the leak from Ganzizhou Ronda Lithium. The largest salt flats in the world, the Salar de Atacama, were affected by mining activity in terms of access to clean water.
In closing, regular cars and gas stations are here to stay. EV is still in its infancy stage. However, how long before they are going to replace gas-filled vehicles, like automobiles replaced horses for traveling, as technology advances? The market for electric cars is expected to increase. The auto industry plans to produce more electric cars. A tax credit is offered to those who purchase plug-in EVs or fuel cell vehicles (FCV) before or after 2030. The announcements include a stiff emission standard and a goal for all new vehicles to be electrified by 2030. Banning gas-filled automobiles and gas stations is at work, such as in Louisville, Colorado, and on the island of Hainan in South China. EVs are placed in the environmentally friendly category, but are they? The concept of zero emissions in an EV is still far-fetched. There are still issues that need answers to provide better transportation and safety options. If we do not target the problems, what is the point of just promoting EV that will either be positive or negative for our society, livelihood, and well-being?
Sources:
https://www.instituteforenergyresearch.org/renewable/the-environmental-impact-of-lithium-batteries/
https://www.tellmebest.com/electric-vehicles-emissions/
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/blue-city-wants-ban-new-gas-auto-service-stations-climate-change
