Electric Vehicles: Are CO2 Emissions a Thing of the Past? (Copy)
Image Source. Visual of CO2 emissions due to exhaust.
How much carbon is your car producing?
The transportation sector, particularly cars, is a significant contributor to global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. In the European Union (EU), cars are responsible for approximately 18% of total CO2 emissions. Over the past 30 years, emissions from cars have increased by 33.5%. However, with the aim of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, there has been a shift towards promoting electric vehicles (EVs) as a cleaner alternative. The impact of CO2 emissions from cars, the benefits of EVs, and the challenges associated with battery disposal and recycling are among some of the things we will explore in this blog post.
Image Source. CO2 Emissions Per Kilometre from Cars and E-Vehicles
A typical passenger vehicle emits around 4.6 metric tons of CO2 per year, while each gallon of gasoline burned in a car produces approximately 8,887 grams of CO2. These emissions are measured from the exhaust pipe or tank-to-wheel (TTW) and then well-to-wheel (W2W), which includes the generation of fuels like gasoline, electricity, or hydrogen. To address the environmental impact of cars, the EU implemented regulations to limit CO2 emissions from manufacturers. The limit was set at 130g/km in 2019 but was reduced to 95g/km in 2021. This reduction poses a significant challenge for carmakers both in the EU and the UK, but is extremely beneficial for the health of humans and the environment.
Want to know your individual contribution? Check the make and model of your car here.
Cleaner and Greener
Electric vehicles offer a cleaner alternative to conventional cars for many reasons. While they still produce emissions during the W2W phase, their overall emissions are about half that of traditional vehicles. EVs do not emit nitrogen and sulfur oxides, which are harmful pollutants produced by burning fossil fuels. Additionally, they do not emit particulates, which can be detrimental to human respiratory health and are typically emitted by internal combustion engines, especially in diesel vehicles.
EVs also contribute to a reduction in noise pollution as they are quieter compared to traditional vehicles. The lack of engine oil in EVs results in less wear on tires and brakes, reducing the generation of dust and dirt. These EVs use batteries for power, and by charging them at night, they can help increase the consumption of renewable energy sources and stabilise the electricity system. These vehicles offer smoother rides, instant acceleration without exhaust emissions, and are well-connected to technology, enhancing the overall driving experience.
Battery Disposal and Sustainability Challenges
Most EVs use lithium-ion batteries, which have a lifespan of 8 to 12 years in extreme climates and 12 to 15 years in moderate climates. This graph shows the deterioration of car batteries based on the climate of each geographical region.
Image Source. Relative capacity of each battery compared to time in each region tested.
However, battery deterioration over time is inevitable. While some manufacturers offer warranties for EV batteries, proper disposal and recycling of these batteries are crucial to mitigate environmental risks.
Lithium-ion batteries can pose hazards if damaged, potentially leading to thermal runaway and the release of flammable vapours. These vapours can be harmful to human health. Lead acid batteries, used in some EVs, can leak acid if not handled properly. Therefore, it is essential to ensure the safe disposal and recycling of batteries to minimise the potential risks to both people and the environment.
Recycling Efforts and Promising Solutions
Image Source. Example of a battery recycling plant.
Large industies are leading the way in battery recycling. They have invested billions in recycling plants that can process lithium-ion batteries, aiming to produce material for millions of EV batteries by 2030. Recycling batteries in a closed-loop system helps recover valuable metals and reduces the need for new mining operations, which can have negative social and environmental consequences in mining regions.
Metals, unlike plastics, can be recycled without significant degradation, making recycling a viable option to reduce the environmental burden associated with battery production. CO2 emissions from cars contribute significantly to overall greenhouse gas emissions, and addressing this issue is crucial for combating climate change. Electric vehicles have emerged as a cleaner alternative, offering reduced emissions and numerous environmental benefits, but they are not a silver bullet by themselves. Challenges still remain in the disposal and recycling of EV batteries. Efforts by companies demonstrate the potential for creating a sustainable battery recycling industry. Recycling won't be able to completely replace mining, but it will be able to lessen the social and environmental costs associated with making new batteries. Metals for batteries that are mined in Central/South America, Asia, and Africa, are frequently linked to serious air/water pollution and human rights abuse. As technology advances and awareness grows, the shift towards electric vehicles and sustainable battery practices is expected to accelerate, contributing to a cleaner and greener future.