Introduction
Electric vehicles (EVs) have been overwhelmingly welcomed as the future of transportation because people believe them to be environmentally friendly in the deepest sense. Nevertheless, as we conduct further exposure investigations, it becomes clearer that EVs are less environmentally friendly than we all think. Though EVs are produced environmentally, their manufacturing span also encompasses using questionable materials that reduce their sustainability claim. Therefore, it is right to argue that EVs are not as good as they seem.
The Illusion of Sustainability
An eco-friendly first impression is to get right away because the term of appointment, which we adorn with emission-free vehicles, is the last solution to our environmental problems. Should I remind people that EVs generate zero emissions directly when users press the accelerator? However, this willful ignorance misses the deeper life of these cars; they are forced to breathe against their will long before they even touch the road. The thing behind the curtain is that the making process of the EVs needs to be cleaner, and the power that is tapped to run the EVs is never sourced from fossil fuels, which makes you question why you even opted for this technology.
The one thing that almost every single ad tackling the environment as a main theme shows is a brand new electric car as the panacea to the world’s troubles. Automakers and governments consistently cite their ability to diminish our ecological footprint and tame global warming, and electric vehicles are hailed as a clear solution (Wellings et al., 2021). Although it seems that the public is now paying more attention to the environment, at least while they queue up for trees during Earth Hour, this story includes a small quantity of irony because their electricity generation methods and source of electricity power are not factored in the final narrative. The most obvious illustration of a greenwashing tactic is that they paint something green and call it eco-friendly.
The Dirty Truth Behind EV Production
The emissions produced by EVs themselves may not take the form of exhaust, but their manufacture is a major factor in the emissions profile. Mining these rare earth minerals used in batteries is among the most devastating processes, emitting poisonous chemicals into the atmosphere and causing more damage than good to nature. Complete landscapes are destroyed when mining companies stray from the surface, diminishing these valuable materials and nature. However, the residual scars and those followed by them will be seen in their place for the next generation.
Also, the energy-heavy period of EV production tosses the emissions into the machine before the vehicle is run. The first step in metal production is to melt the ore, then assemble the various components, and finally, the powering of the factory, all of which have a considerable effect on the carbon footprint. When considering the emissions involved in carrying these entities to showrooms and dealerships worldwide, the hypothetical environmental benefits will be no more (Nour et al., 2020). However, the impact of manufacturing is outside the production line. The debate about EVs frequently does not draw attention to the fact that most electricity grids still depend on fossil fuels, which is a corrupting circumstance for the EV transition.
Rebutting the Narrative
EV proponents try to present a picture of zero-emission cities and a usable planet, but all these claims cannot cope with the abovementioned fundamental challenges. They are publicizing the way of hauling as progress, but, on the contrary, they emphasize the environmental damages after the mining and manufacturing of carbon. The story of the EV is one of the greatest hopes being told about these vehicles, as they are being described as shining heroes who will be slaying the dragon. It would be fair to say that. Unlike wise, this story has solid bases that disregard the real and serious problems that go against sustainability from such means of transport (Hawkins et al., 2012). Frequently, it is the naysayers who argue that the only advantage of EVs is the nonexistence of tailpipe emissions. However, this unified argument is a single line, obscuring the larger picture. They ignore the disastrous impacts of chemicals and toxins released in mining activities, the unhealthy depletion of natural habitats, and greenhouse gases that contribute to the emission of pollutants and toxic gases during manufacturing. It is a quintessential example of shifting goalposts, where we raise environmental problems and trade one set of problems for another.
Seeking pragmatic solutions
Instead of mindlessly supporting EVs to remedy all the transport challenges, we need to apply a more comprehensive approach to environmental mobility. It includes taking up transit ownership via motor road networks, developing pedestrian and cyclist-friendly environments, and looking into alternative fuel sources such as hydrogen gas or biofuels. Strong practical and realistic solutions may be found in transitioning to clean energy sources to energize the EVs, instituting strict mineral mining and manufacturing regulations, and developing battery recycling programs (Hawkins et al., 2012). It is not a one-sided but rather an all-encompassing solution; it is a comprehensive solution. Though EVs are as good as any, there are other choices. Diversifying the strategy is important for us, as it ensures that the range of accepted strategies is broad enough to enable us to address the overlapping of different problems.
Conclusion
Despite the palpable appeal of zero-emission vehicles, a careful analysis puts the issues well beyond the simple image. An indisputable fact lies in the morality of the delivery systems of this technology in our quest to build a better environment. Do we consider shifting the responsibility of the environmental strains to another while solving the problem? Is everything considered? Do we get something as a result, and the burden shifts to others, or is it another loss? Please put in your mind a reference to the EV motorist on a roadblock with the battery used up and the nearest charging station far from them. This situation gives rise to the need for a more comprehensive and practical approach to sustainable transportation, where the whole life cycle of the vehicle should be considered along with the human life cycle of the vehicle because it is for man’s well-being.
References
Hawkins, T. R., Gausen, O. M., & Strømman, A. H. (2012). Environmental impacts of hybrid and electric vehicles—a review. The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment, 17, 997-1014.
Nour, M., Chaves-Ávila, J. P., Magdy, G., & Sánchez-Miralles, Á. (2020). Review of positive and negative impacts of electric vehicles charging on electric power systems. Energies, 13(18), 4675.
Wellings, J., Greenwood, D., & Coles, S. R. (2021). Understanding the future impacts of electric vehicles—An analysis of multiple market factors. Vehicles, 3(4), 851–871.
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