Are EVs Really Eco-Friendly? Maybe Not, When Considering EV Batteries

5 min readJan 28, 2024

Are Electric Vehicles Really Better for the Climate?

The article “Don’t get fooled: Electric vehicles really are better for the climate” by Daisy Simmons provides a comprehensive view on the environmental benefits of electric vehicles (EVs) compared to gasoline-powered vehicles. It emphasizes that despite the higher initial carbon pollution from the manufacturing process of EVs, especially the batteries, they are more eco-friendly in the long run due to lower operational emissions.

It is true that EVs have some positive aspects.

Holistic Approach: The article successfully addresses the common misconception that EVs might be more harmful to the environment than traditional vehicles by considering the entire lifecycle of EVs.
Data-Driven Arguments: Utilizing the research from the Union of Concerned Scientists, the article presents a strong, evidence-based argument about the lower overall carbon footprint of EVs.
Consideration of Power Sources: It rightly points out the role of electricity sources in determining the overall environmental impact of EVs, acknowledging that EVs powered by renewable energy are significantly more beneficial for the climate.

However, we also need to be more aware of the areas for further exploration.

Battery Production Impact: While the article touches on the emissions from battery production, it could explore more deeply the environmental and ethical concerns related to the extraction of raw materials like lithium, cobalt, and nickel. These processes are water-intensive and often associated with human rights violations, especially in developing countries.
Recycling and End-of-Life Management: The challenges in recycling EV batteries and the environmental risks associated with improper disposal are not extensively covered. Given the low current recycling rates and the complexity of the recycling process, this is a crucial aspect of the environmental impact of EVs.
Comparative Analysis Over Time: The article could benefit from a more dynamic analysis of how the environmental impact of EVs might change as technology progresses, especially in terms of battery efficiency, recycling technologies, and the increasing share of renewables in the power grid.

The Hidden Environmental Costs of EV Batteries

The environmental impact of used electric vehicle (EV) batteries is a multi-faceted issue that involves various stages of battery life, from production to disposal. Here’s an overview, integrating insights from multiple sources:

Production and Environmental Cost

The production of EV batteries is a significant contributor to carbon emissions. A study highlighted that about 46% of an EV’s carbon emissions come from its production process, compared to 26% for internal combustion engine vehicles. Each electric car’s production releases approximately 4 tonnes of CO2, requiring the vehicle to be used for at least 8 years to offset these emissions.

Resource Extraction and Water Usage

The extraction of lithium, a critical component of EV batteries, is highly water-intensive. Producing one tonne of lithium (sufficient for around 100 car batteries) necessitates around 2 million tonnes of water. This process has led to severe water depletion in regions like the South American Lithium triangle, consisting of Chile, Argentina, and Bolivia.

Cobalt and Nickel Mining Impacts

Cobalt and nickel, also crucial for EV batteries, are obtained through processes that cause significant environmental degradation. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, cobalt mining involves severe human rights violations, including child labor and health hazards from prolonged exposure to cobalt dust.

Recycling and Reuse Challenges

Recycling EV batteries is currently inefficient, with only about 5% of EV batteries being recycled. This inefficiency is due to the complex and costly process of recycling these batteries. However, there is a growing market for second-use applications of EV batteries, particularly in energy storage, which could offset some recycling costs.

Impact of Powering EVs

The environmental benefit of EVs is also influenced by the source of electricity used to charge them. In countries like India, where a significant portion of electricity comes from thermal sources like coal, the overall environmental benefit is reduced due to the high emissions from coal power plants.

Global Efforts and Challenges

Efforts to make lithium extraction more sustainable are underway, with companies exploring “green lithium mining” using renewable geothermal energy. Despite these initiatives, the current rate of EV adoption and infrastructure development, such as charging stations, might be insufficient to have a significant impact on climate change.

Don’t Be Blinded by Only the Benefits of EVs

Electric vehicles (EVs) present a cleaner alternative to traditional vehicles in terms of operational emissions. However, it’s crucial to consider the entire lifecycle of their batteries, including production, resource extraction, disposal, and recycling, as these stages pose significant environmental challenges. International collaboration and innovation in battery technology, recycling methods, and sustainable mining practices are imperative to address these issues. As battery technologies evolve and the electricity grid becomes increasingly powered by renewable sources, the environmental advantages of EVs are expected to grow. Nonetheless, the current challenges in battery production and recycling processes must be addressed proactively to fully realize and maximize the environmental benefits of EVs.