Saving the Environment Can Be Electric

Written by Valerie Nguyen and Edited by Kevin Liu

As the wildfire seasons in California worsen, the elected officials of the state have sought to find solutions to mitigate the volatility of rapidly changing climate conditions. Since transportation is responsible for more than half of the state’s greenhouse gas emissions, current governor as of 2021, Gavin Newsom, released an executive order prohibiting the sales of non-electric vehicles after the year 2035 [1]. The order comes out of a desire to stem the environmental impacts of vehicles throughout the state, but just how effective would a transition to electric vehicles be?

When categorizing vehicle emissions, it is important to recognize that there are two main methods for which they are measured—direct and life cycle [2]. Direct emissions involve the pollution and smoke that comes directly from the car, whereas life cycle refers to the carbon footprint from the process of production, distribution, and recycling of the car [2]. According to the U.S. Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, electric vehicles actually create less of both types of emissions because of their independence from diesel [2]. However, this can change depending on whether the location of production utilizes sustainable energy [2]. For example, in certain parts of China where coal is the primary source of energy, the production of electric cars was actually shown to result in more gas emissions than even regular vehicles [3].

When discussing the environmental impact of electric vehicles, a frequently referenced topic is the usage of lithium ion batteries. This battery, existing most commonly in electric vehicles, has been criticized for not only its lifespan but its cost [4]. There are two types of lithium ion batteries used in cars—ones that use nickel-manganese-cobalt (Li-NMC) and others that use iron-phosphate (LiFeP) [4]. While LiFeP batteries are cheaper, more units are required to match the level of output of an Li-NMC battery. For this reason, cars with LiFeP batteries emit more greenhouse gases [4]. While these effects can be equalized out by other facets of production, Li-NMC batteries held the advantage regarding the global warming potential and life cycle costs in spite of limited cobalt resources [4]. The main problem stems from the future sustainability of these batteries—because of the multitude of materials in lithium ion batteries, it is significantly more complex of a process to recycle them [5]. Additionally, due to their marketing as “life-long” batteries and their short time on the market itself, there has not been as much research or regulation into its widespread recycling [5]. Before this generation of lithium ion batteries dies, it is important that further research is done to promote not only stricter regulations but environmentally friendly practices of disposal.

While there is still work to be done on ensuring that the production and recycling of electric vehicles is as sustainable as possible, the shift towards electric vehicles in California is an important step towards reducing the greenhouse gas emissions that are adversely affecting the environment.

References:

1. “Governor Newsom Announces California Will Phase Out Gasoline-Powered Cars & Drastically Reduce Demand for Fossil Fuel in California’s Fight Against Climate Change.” Office of Governor: Gavin Newsom, State of California, 23 Sept. 2020, Accessed 24 Jan. 2021. www.gov.ca.gov/2020/09/23/governor-newsom-announces-california-will-phase-out-gasoline-powered-cars-drastically-reduce-demand-for-fossil-fuel-in-californias-fight-against-climate-change/.
2. Hineman, Brinley. “Fact Check: Electric Vehicles Emit Fewer Emissions and Are Better for the Environment.” USA Today, Gannett Satellite Information Network, 17 Oct. 2020, Accessed 24 Jan. 2021. www.usatoday.com/story/news/factcheck/2020/10/17/fact-check-electric-cars-emit-less-better-environment/3671468001/.
3. Requia, W.J., Mohamed, M., Higgins, C.D., Arain, A., Ferguson, M. (2018). How Clean Are Electric Vehicles? Evidence-Based Review of the Effects of Electric Mobility On Air Pollutants, Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Human Health. Atmospheric Environment. 185:64-77.
4. Reuter, B. (2016). Assessment of Sustainability Issues For the Selection of Materials and Technologies During Product Design: A Case Study of Lithium-Ion Batteries For Electric Vehicles. International Journal on Interactive Design and Manufacturing. 10:217–227.
5. Gaines, L. (2014). The Future of Automotive Lithium-Ion Battery Recycling: Charting a Sustainable Course. Sustainable Materials and Technologies. 1-2:2-7.