Factors to consider before purchasing your next car
By Ellie Noh — eenoh@ucdavis.edu
With the increasing inevitability of the climate crisis, new forms of green technology are being developed in hopes to help mitigate environmental damage. One of the most recent developments is seen on the roads with electric vehicles (EVs).
Although electric vehicles are promoted as a new eco-friendly mode of transportation, many people often overlook the negative environmental effects generated by their production. Especially when global warming is intensifying, people should stop to consider the counteractive effects of EVs before purchasing.
Electric vehicles can operate using electricity taken from a battery, rather than an internal combustion engine that relies on gasoline. This ability to produce zero emissions and EVs’ “cost-effectiveness” when it comes to maintenance — since EVs don’t use gas, don’t require stringent engine maintenance and don’t need oil changes — often outshines the negative impacts of producing the vehicles.
One of the main components of electric vehicles that is harmful to the environment is the production of lithium batteries. For instance, EV batteries require various metals such as cobalt, aluminum and lithium to produce, which are acquired through mining. In order for mining to occur, many natural resources are threatened and large amounts of water are needed.
Considering these factors, we can compare the production of EV batteries and the production of common internal combustion engines. With each ton of lithium mined, there are 15 tons of carbon dioxide emissions, according to MIT Climate. On the other hand, EARTH.org indicates that one ton of steel, which is needed for internal combustion engines, produces 1.9 tons of carbon dioxide emissions.
As the demand for EVs increases, there are concerns that recycling will not be able to catch up to the amount of lithium batteries used in production. Also, if precautions are not taken during disposal, lithium batteries can become a fire hazard, especially if they are accidentally destroyed. Thus, these batteries cannot be easily disposed of in municipal recycling bins or trash to avoid potential danger.
With these aspects in mind, there should be more awareness regarding the impacts of EV batteries on the environment, along with more development in making lithium battery production and recycling more sustainable. While there are many positive environmental effects surrounding the EVs themselves (compared to gas-powered vehicles), it is still important to know the drawbacks of the mode of transportation you take every day. Though I am supportive of the efforts of the advancements made in making eco-friendly vehicles, there should not be significant underlying factors that contribute to an unsustainable environment.
Before buying your next car, it is crucial that you do research on its potential environmental effects and consider whether or not it is truly the most sustainable option. While driving EVs can decrease emissions, all factors should be taken into account — including emissions caused during the production phase, not just everyday use of the vehicles themselves. Also, if other sustainable modes of transportation are available (such as taking public transportation or biking), that is another viable option to take into account.
We must become more conscientious of our environmental actions — each individual action can bring us a step closer to a greener future.
Written by: Ellie Noh — eenoh@ucdavis.edu
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by individual columnists belong to the columnists alone and do not necessarily indicate the views and opinions held by The California Aggie.
