The future of electric cars is a hot topic that dominates headlines around the world.
Every year, more EVs are produced as manufacturers and governments react to growing demand for greener and cleaner vehicles to combat global warming and decrease oil dependency.
To become carbon neutral by 2040, GM plans to decarbonize its line and focus exclusively on producing zero-emission vehicles. As a result, President Biden has been unwavering in his commitment to investing in the EV market as part of his $2 trillion infrastructure initiative and climate change plan.
Reducing the carbon footprint
EVs are powered by an electric motor that runs on rechargeable batteries rather than fossil fuels, resulting in lower greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change and global warming. Still, the power plant used to charge these EVs must be tracked.
According to the Alternative Fuels Data Center, the source of a vehicle's electricity has an impact on its emissions. The amount of these emissions varies by region. The national average power grid mixes fossil fuels and renewable energy sources. If most electric vehicles were charged using the typical American power grid, they would be less harmful to the environment than ICEs.
Lithium-ion battery production
In addition, their extraction and processing can cause environmental problems. The batteries used in most modern electric vehicles are made from a variety of raw materials, including cobalt, which is mined and produced through controversial processes in unregulated mines and hazardous working conditions. These metals can also contribute to carbon dioxide emissions.
Nickel-manganese-cobalt batteries have lower emissions and require less energy to produce than their petroleum-based counterparts. Using nickel-manganese-cobalt batteries is not only greener, but also cheaper than lithium-ion battery technology.
Curbing fuel dependency
EVs are an alternative fuel source to petroleum, cutting the United States' import and usage of foreign and domestic oil. This is critical because one fossil fuel dependency puts us at the mercy of volatile oil market fluctuations and price hikes. EVs can help reduce this danger since almost all of the nation's electricity (both fossil fuels and renewable resources).
Battery recycling
Although battery technology has advanced and lithium-ion batteries can store more energy than their predecessors, lead-acid batteries, environmental considerations must be taken into account. Batteries have been an issue for decades, and lithium-ion batteries are no exception.
For another, as the use of electric vehicles grows, more batteries will be produced, increasing the number of end-of-life cycles. The percentage of lithium-ion batteries recycled in the United States today is around 5%, compared to 99% for lead-acid cells.
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