by Sean McGarry
A brief insight to the future of electric vehicles.
Retrieved from Capital Motor Cars
The issue of global warming has been a prominent point of contention amongst leading climatologists in recent years. With Biden’s proclamation of the United States shifting to a more secure utilization of energy, questions have arisen in regards to the future of powering automobiles. Though minimal, the efficacy of electric vehicles is mirrored in Elon Musk’s Tesla. These cars, compared to gas-powered vehicles, have proven to be more environmentally friendly. But, with this optimism could come inherent roadblocks in employment and affordability. Nevertheless, any pollution reduction is to be considered worthwhile.
A standard motor vehicle goes through direct and life cycles of operation, both contributing to pollution. Electric cars should run the same way, but they instead have lesser life cycle emissions. According to researcher Zhenhong Lin, “Shifting pollutants away from tailpipe emissions to a central location, like a power plant, makes the pollution easier to manage.” The main source of energy would be derived from lithium, which is expected to see a 9% rise in annual demand in the coming decade. A significant advantage of lithium batteries is their renewability, meaning that their power can be recycled or restored. In studying their longevity, scientists are working to discern what allows for stable service.
At a global level, the implementation of electric vehicles is an act in progress. The New York Times states that in 2030, Volvo will only be advertising fully electric cars, and General Motors will follow, ceasing its sale of gas-powered automobiles by 2035. To the same degree, Climate Home News says even though their numbers are comparatively meager, 5.1 million electric cars were sold in 2018. This is a substantial stride, but the only dilemma is that most of these numbers apply to international entities, excluding the United States. Until our country is to organize the dissemination of mechanical power, climate change will remain an immense concern.
Confidence in our country’s innovation is also met with an overarching challenge: unemployment. Many people worldwide work in the automotive industry, whether that be as manufacturers, maintenance workers, or gas station attendants. If fuel was converted from gas to electricity, a plethora of these jobs would be swept away, even if some could be upgraded in the long run. In general, though uncertainties still linger, the transition from gasoline-powered vehicles to electric could markedly aid in the resolution of climate change and global warming. However, once the process commences, there is no turning back.
1. Hineman, B. (2020, October 17). Fact check: Electric vehicles emit fewer emissions and are better for the environment. USA TODAY. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/factcheck/2020/10/17/fact-check-electric-cars-emit-less-better-environment/3671468001/
2. Tabuchi, H., & Plumber, B. (2021, March 2). How Green Are Electric Vehicles? New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/02/climate/electric-vehicles-environment.html
3. Doyle, A. (2020, March 23). Electric cars help limit climate change despite blackspots in India, Poland. Climate Home News. https://www.climatechangenews.com/2020/03/23/electric-cars-help-limit-climate-change-despite-blackspots-india-poland/