The true environmental damage from EV mandates
by Timothy Page
As Vermont’s ban of the sale of all new internal combustion vehicles by 2035 shows, the push for electric vehicles (EVs) has gained significant traction. Government has been pursuing mandates to encourage the shift from internal combustion engines to electric alternatives. While the claimed intentions behind such policies are commendable, what about the unintended consequences?
Mandating electric vehicles can actually harm the environment overall.
Production and Disposal of Batteries:
One of the key drawbacks of EVs lies in their reliance on lithium-ion batteries. These batteries require significant amounts of rare earth metals, such as lithium and cobalt, which are extracted through environmentally destructive mining practices. Additionally, the manufacturing process for these batteries generates substantial carbon emissions.
Moreover, the disposal and recycling of spent batteries pose significant challenges, as they contain hazardous materials that can harm the environment if not handled properly.
Energy Production and Distribution:
While electric vehicles produce zero emissions during operation, the electricity used to charge them often comes from non-renewable sources. In many regions, coal and natural gas power plants still provide a significant portion of the electricity grid. Consequently, mandating EVs without a corresponding shift to renewable energy sources simply transfers the emissions from tailpipe to smokestack. This leads to an indirect increase in pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, exacerbating the very problem electric vehicles aim to solve.
Strain on Infrastructure:
The mass adoption of electric vehicles puts immense strain on existing infrastructure. Charging stations require substantial energy supply, increasing the burden on the electrical grid. This demand for electricity necessitates the construction of new power plants or the expansion of current facilities, potentially leading to further environmental degradation. It also raises concerns about the equitable distribution of charging infrastructure, as underserved communities may face limited access to charging stations, hindering the widespread adoption of EVs.
Raw Material Extraction:
To meet the escalating demand for electric vehicles, the extraction of raw materials required for their production, such as lithium and cobalt, intensifies. As previously mentioned, these materials are often obtained through environmentally damaging practices, including deforestation, habitat destruction, and water pollution, disrupting delicate ecosystems and threatening biodiversity. This directly undoes the improvements which EV advocates claim to pursue.
Overall Lifecycle Impact:
When considering the entire lifecycle of electric vehicles, including production, use, and disposal, the environmental benefits become more complex. While EVs offer reduced emissions during operation, the environmental costs associated with battery production, energy generation, infrastructure demands, and raw material extraction must be taken into account. Failing to consider these factors holistically can lead to misguided policies that inadvertently harm the environment rather than improve it.
Mandating electric vehicles as a solution to combat climate change is a well-intentioned effort. However, it is crucial to recognize and address the potential negative consequences that arise from focusing solely on EVs without considering the broader environmental impact. Achieving true sustainability requires a comprehensive approach that embraces renewable energy sources, responsible mining practices, and thoughtful infrastructure development. By carefully considering the complex trade-offs, we can chart a path towards a future that truly benefits the environment, and those of us who live in it.
Conservation, not a continuation of rampant consumerism, is the key to actual progress. Use what one has until it breaks, maintaining and repairing, rather than replacing. Minimize the excess. Unfortunately, this age-old wisdom is no longer promoted like it once was, because it doesn’t make more money for those in power, on either side of the aisle. However, it is what works, not only for our wallets, but for our world as well, and perhaps even our souls.
For a more humorous approach to the topic, I recommend this video for your enjoyment and edification:
