Introduction
Over the past ten years, the United States automobile industry has begun welcoming electric vehicles (EVs) to our roads, which function as a sustainable alternative to traditional gasoline-powered cars. This shift is driven by environmental concerns, particularly the alarming levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) emission into the atmosphere. In fact, gas-powered vehicles account for one-fifth of the entire world's CO2 emissions. With this growing concern, consumers are exploring more environmentally friendly traveling options in today's technology-driven world. According to an IEA study, increased environmental awareness has led to an explosion of sales in the EV market of 60% from the year 2021. Throughout my research, I will explore the implementation of electric cars and their impact on the future, focusing specifically on sustainability in the environment, implementation of EV laws, and sustainability of EV supply chains, as well as the working conditions of the miners in the battery production process.
In fact, gas-powered vehicles account for one-fifth of the entire world's CO2 emissions.
Environmental Benefits of EVs
In contrast to gasoline-powered vehicles, EVs derive their power from electric batteries. The Alternative Fuels Data Center (AFDC) highlights the environmental benefits of EVs, including "reduced greenhouse gas emissions, improved air quality, and decreased reliance on fossil fuels." In addition to their environmental benefits, the adoption of electric vehicles in the US presents opportunities for innovation in the energy sector. By utilizing renewable energy sources for charging—such as solar and wind power—electric vehicles can contribute to integrating clean energy into the transportation industry. This marriage between electric vehicles and renewable energy technologies reduces greenhouse gas emissions, paving the way for a more sustainable energy system. By utilizing these renewable energy sources, EVs can further enhance their positive environmental impacts. This integration of clean energy into the transportation sector not only reduces CO2 emissions but also promotes a more sustainable energy system overall.
Government Policies & Regulations Regarding EVs
State governments in the US are actively promoting the adoption of electric vehicles. One of the central policies in the US being implemented today is the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) program in California. This law "requires large volume and intermediate volume vehicle manufacturers to bring to and/or operate in California a certain proportion of their sales as plug-in hybrid electric vehicles or zero-emission vehicles" (California's ZEV Program 2022). The ZEV regulation is vital to California's long-term environmental goals, aligning with other initiatives to improve air quality, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and transition towards a more sustainable transportation system. These efforts aim to fast-track the transition to electric transportation and create an enabling environment for sustainable mobility. Car manufacturers are taking note of this revolutionary law and adapting as needed. Car manufacturers such as Toyota, Ford, and Kia are adding hybrid and fully electric cars to their fleets to increase sales in this region and invest more money into researching battery technology. Implementing the ZEV program has contributed to the growth of the electric vehicle market and related industries within the state. California has become a hub for electric vehicle innovation, manufacturing, and research, attracting investments and creating jobs in battery technology, charging infrastructure, and electric vehicle production. The ZEV program has also increased demand for electric vehicles, increasing sales and revenue for automakers offering electric and hybrid models. By creating an enabling environment for EVs to be easily accessed by the greater public, governments will begin to play a crucial role in shaping a greener transportation landscape and reducing emissions.
Challenges in EV Supply Chain Sustainability
The widespread adoption of electric vehicles requires an extensive supply chain to meet the growing demand for EV components, particularly batteries. First, however, it is crucial to delve into the environmental impact of the minerals used in battery production, with the main issues being the mining process, carbon footprint, and water usage. The extraction of minerals like lithium, cobalt, and nickel, essential components of EV batteries, often involves environmentally damaging practices. This can include deforestation, habitat destruction, soil and water contamination, and disruption to local ecosystems. Mining and transporting these minerals contributes to the carbon footprint of EV batteries. For example, the energy-intensive processes involved in lithium extraction can result in high carbon emissions. Furthermore, mining operations for lithium and other minerals require significant amounts of water. Estimates suggest that producing one ton of lithium can require up to 500,000 gallons of water, leading to potential water scarcity issues, especially in regions already facing water stress (Luong, 2022). Adding to this, the mining and processing of lithium, cobalt, and nickel for EV batteries can result in 15 tons of CO2 being emitted into the air (MIT Climate, 2022). CO2 emissions for manufacturing an 80 kWh battery start at about 2.5 metric tons— roughly equivalent to driving a gas-powered car over 6,000 miles. Although the extraction process of minerals used in the production of EVs has negative environmental impacts, throughout their lifetime, EVs produce fewer pollutants compared to their gas-powered counterparts. This is evident in MIT's Insights Into Future Mobility study from 2019. This study observed the Toyota Camry and Honda Clarity across their gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, battery electric, and hydrogen fuel cell configurations. The resulting data found that gasoline cars emit over 350 grams of CO2 per mile driven over their lifetimes. The hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions produced 260 grams per mile of CO2, while the fully battery-electric vehicle created just 200 grams.
Worker Welfare and Fair Labor Practices
In this same breath, it is imperative to consider the workers' welfare in producing EV batteries, particularly those engaged in mining essential minerals like lithium, cobalt, and nickel. The mining process can present significant challenges for worker safety and compensation. Many of these mines are located in developing countries where labor regulations might be less strict, leading to concerns about fair compensation, working conditions, and health risks associated with dangerous mining operations. Addressing these issues requires a coordinated effort from both governments and corporations to ensure workers are adequately compensated and protected.
On the other hand, as the demand for EVs continues to surge, EV manufacturers are experiencing substantial revenue growth. Companies like Tesla, General Motors, and Volkswagen report record-breaking sales and profits as they expand their electric vehicle offerings to meet consumer demand. Efforts to improve the sustainability of the EV supply chain must include measures to uphold fair labor practices and ensure that the benefits of the EV market expansion are shared equitably across the workers who contribute to its production.
Conclusion
The shift toward EVs in the United States represents an essential moment in the effort to combat climate change. Gas-powered vehicles have long threatened the environment and public health. The implementation of EVs offers a possible long-term solution to this problem by significantly reducing harmful emissions of CO2. Government initiatives like California's Zero Emission Vehicle program play a crucial role in accelerating the adoption of EVs and shaping a greener transportation landscape. Moreover, car manufacturers are responding to this shift by investing in hybrid and electric vehicle technology, further driving the transition towards sustainable transportation. By embracing this transition and addressing challenges across the EV supply chain, we can pave the way for a more sustainable and resilient future for generations to come.
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