We welcome EVs as game changers in our fight against climate change. There is a claim that EVs reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable transportation. Government promotes such transportation.
Whether EVs really reduce carbon emissions require a closer scrutiny Apparently, they seem to be environment saviour. However, this ignores its production process which require manufacturing of lithium-ion batteries.
EV batteries have two main components — lithium and cobalt. The extraction of these elements has deep environmental and social costs. Lithium is sourced to the extent of 70 per cent of the world’s requirement from the reserves concentrated in the Lithium triangle of Argentina, Chile and Bolivia. The mining operations are water intensive, and these are arid regions. Cobalt is mainly sourced from Congo. There are hazardous working conditions, child labour and corruption in cobalt mining. There are geopolitical tensions too. The demand for these ingredients is rising continuously. It creates scarcity and there are ‘resource wars’ amongst nations since those nations which control fuel gain power.
The production process of EVs generate 60 per cent more carbon emissions than ICE vehicles, mainly due to battery production. We are shifting emissions from the tailpipe of vehicles, to the factory floor.
Another issue is the electricity used to charge these batteries. In India, 70 per cent electricity is thermal electricity. Thus, EV that claims zero emission has a carbon-intensive lifecycle. EVs charged by thermal electricity can have life cycle emission marginally lower than modern ICE vehicles.
Though India focuses on renewable energy sources, it constitutes only a fraction of total energy generated. Till we decarbonize the entire energy grid, the environmental advantage of EVs remains questionable. Instead, charging EVs through electricity generated by fossil fuels undermines the efforts to counter climate change.
An EV’s battery lasts from 8-15 years and its disposal is another environmental challenge. E-waste generated poses a risk of contamination. Improper disposal adds to the accumulation of toxic substances such as lithium, cobalt and nickel.
EV infrastructure of charging points in India must have at least 10 million charging stations by 2030. At present, India has only 5000 such stations. Another issue the proper upkeep of the charging network. The costs of maintenance may be passed on to consumers. It adds to the ownership costs of EVs.
Instead of private ownership of EVs, India could think of having electrified public transportation. We can also explore other fuels such hydrogen for clean mobility. Even solid-state batteries could be considered.
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