Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming more common, and while they’re still pricier than gas-powered cars, their costs are steadily decreasing. In the next few years, EVs are expected to be just as affordable as internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. However, there are pros and cons to consider when choosing between an EV and an ICE vehicle. For instance, it’s usually cheaper to charge an EV than to fill a gas tank, and EVs typically have lower maintenance costs.
Environmental Impact: More Than Meets the Eye
On the surface, EVs seem better for the environment because they don’t burn gasoline or emit carbon dioxide directly. However, the environmental impact of EVs is more complex. Manufacturing an EV, particularly the battery, produces more emissions than making a gas-powered car. Yet, battery technology is evolving, and reliance on rare earth materials, which are difficult to mine and refine, is decreasing.
Emissions from Manufacturing
Manufacturing both EVs and ICE vehicles involves similar materials, but EV production is more emission-intensive due to the batteries. For example, a report from Polestar and Rivian estimates that making an EV produces around 14 tons of carbon dioxide, compared to 10 tons for an ICE vehicle. This means EVs have a “carbon debt” when they first leave the production line.
Offset Through Usage
Fortunately, EVs quickly offset their initial carbon debt. The time it takes for an EV to become more environmentally friendly than an ICE vehicle depends on how the EV is charged. Charging an EV with solar panels is much greener than using electricity from coal plants. Even in the worst-case scenario, EVs reach carbon parity with ICE vehicles in less than two years. For instance, a report from Recurrent indicates that in the dirtiest U.S. energy grid, EVs take 1.9 years to match the carbon emissions of ICE vehicles, and only 1.4 years in one of the cleanest grids.
The Challenge of Rare Earth Materials
EVs depend heavily on rare earth materials, which are challenging to mine. Mining these materials is associated with environmental and human health issues. For example, neodymium dust can cause skin and eye irritation, and prolonged exposure can damage the liver. Additionally, many rare earth mines are linked to human rights abuses.
Moving Forward with Better Batteries
Efforts are underway to develop batteries that don’t rely on rare earth metals. While more research and willingness to adopt potentially costlier technologies are needed, increasing awareness is driving change. Battery recycling programs are also being implemented, which will reduce the emissions associated with EV production and allow for the reuse of some rare earth materials.
Lifetime Emissions
Over a 15-year period, EVs produce significantly fewer emissions than ICE vehicles. Recurrent estimates that average EV emissions are about 30 grams of CO2 per mile, compared to 80 grams per mile for ICE vehicles. This difference is expected to grow as the electrical grid becomes cleaner.
Conclusion
While manufacturing an EV generates more emissions than making a gas-powered car, EVs quickly surpass ICE vehicles in terms of environmental friendliness. The notion that EVs are as harmful to the environment as gas-powered cars due to their manufacturing process is a myth. As technology advances and the grid gets cleaner, EVs will only become more environmentally beneficial.
