<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
People’s interest surrounding electric vehicles (EVs) is increasing rapidly day by day, because of the aggressive marketing strategies carried out by companies like Tesla. <\/p>\n
On top of that, the benefits of the electric vehicles were highlighted at COP26, and many countries have already set a date to phase out the production of the internal-combustion-engine vehicles that rely on fossil fuels. For example, the new German government aims to have at least 15 million EVs on the roads by 2030. But there are caveats to that.<\/p>\n
It is evident that electric vehicles are more climate friendly than combustion ones. But it is more complicated than one might anticipate. The batteries, for example, charge on power that is coming straight off the electric grid, which itself is often powered by fossil fuels. What is more concerning is that while some electric grids in Europe use renewable energy, but grids in countries like India rely heavily on coal. <\/p>\n
This source of non-renewable energy alone hurts the climate goal. In the US, an EV produces between 60 and 68 % less emissions than the combustion ones. In China, where more coal is used, an EV results in between 37 and 45% less emissions. In India, it’s between 19 and 34% lower. Therefore, it is translucent that clean energy sources are required to get the absolute advantage out of an EV.<\/p>\n
Another concern is the pricing of electric vehicles. Prices of EVs are somewhat higher than their fossil fuel counterparts. The price of lithium batteries — which can be called the heart of electric vehicles — has risen by 239% since 2017. As there will be more demand for electric vehicles, it is very much likely that the prices of electric vehicles will continue to climb, and that might be a determining factor for consumers when they shop for cars.<\/p>\n
Thanks to technological advancement, the energy density of the batteries has more than tripled since lithium-ion batteries were introduced in 1991. Yet most of the gains in battery technology have gone to increase the distance an electric car can travel in a single charge, and to boost the car’s power. Nowadays, companies like Tesla and Ford are bringing out cars that go up to 500 miles on a single charge. The electric car market is getting more competitive than ever, as more people are gaining interest in EVs.<\/p>\n
No matter how we try to fight global warming, the quality of air keeps degrading day by day. If we replace fossil fuel vehicles with electric ones, it will definitely be a step in the right direction. Electric vehicles may reduce carbon emission, but it emits PM2.5 particles — the most worrying forms of air pollution for humans. <\/p>\n
So more electric vehicles are not the solution. The air will still be toxic and we will inhale them, ultimately putting our health at risk. If fewer cars on the road cannot be ensured, toxicity of the air will increase one way or the other. <\/p>\n
Tasrif Zawaad is a freelance contributor.<\/p>\n
(As published by Dhaka Tribune)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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