ev
Newsletter
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Are mining concerns for EV batteries exaggerated?
A new report from RMI suggests that worries about the demand for minerals for electric vehicle batteries may be overstated, highlighting the potential for recycling and innovation to reduce the need for new mining.
In short:
- The report argues that technological advancements and recycling can curb the demand for battery minerals.
- Battery recycling could significantly reduce new mining by 2038, with a complete shift by 2050.
- Innovations have already decreased the need for cobalt and nickel in battery production.
Key quote:
"One of the biggest things people hold against EVs might turn out to be one of its biggest benefits in the long run."
— Daan Walter, principal on the strategy team at RMI
Why this matters:
Electric vehicle production has the potential to become more sustainable, mitigating environmental and social concerns associated with mining. This shift could make EVs a more viable long-term solution for reducing transportation emissions.
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EV infrastructure challenges for rural and Indigenous communities
Indigenous communities face significant challenges in adopting electric vehicles due to inadequate infrastructure, but advocates see potential solutions to bridge the gap.
In short:
- Electric vehicles (EVs) are growing in popularity, but rural and remote areas lack charging infrastructure.
- Indigenous communities are particularly impacted by infrastructure deficits, including poor roads and unreliable electricity.
- Advocates like Kent Heinrich and Jessica Tait push for improved EV infrastructure to support these areas.
Key quote:
“If the charging infrastructure is not there, if it’s not reliable, that will impact businesses, job opportunities, people connecting with family, food; it will impact just about anything you use your vehicle for.”
— Jessica Tait, sustainable transportation manager, Indigenous Clean Energy
Why this matters:
Bridging the EV infrastructure gap in rural and remote communities can help reduce carbon emissions and support sustainable development. Enhanced infrastructure also addresses broader issues of access and equity for Indigenous populations.
Related EHN coverage:
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Credit: Fahroni/Big Stock Photo
Toxic chemicals in EV battery production raise health concerns
As the demand for electric vehicle batteries grows, communities near production sites worry about toxic chemical exposure and health risks.
In short:
- EV batteries use PVDF, a polymer made by companies previously linked to dangerous chemical emissions.
- Residents near these plants, such as in New Jersey and Georgia, report health issues and ongoing legal battles over contamination.
- Experts warn that new manufacturing methods may still produce harmful byproducts, posing ongoing risks.
Key quote:
"For 45 years we’ve lived in it, bathed in it, cooked with it, drank it.’"
— Richard Bond, local citizen who lives downriver of Solvay Specialty Polymers
Why this matters:
While the transition to EVs is celebrated for its promise of reducing carbon emissions and combating climate change, the environmental and health impacts of battery production are raising alarms.
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Credit: Nataliya Hora/Big Stock Photo
Trump vows to dismantle Biden’s electric vehicle policies
Former President Donald Trump has pledged to dismantle President Biden's electric vehicle policies if re-elected, threatening tariffs and policy reversals.
Coral Davenport and Jack Ewing report for The New York Times.
In short:
- Trump has criticized electric vehicles and plans to impose tariffs and repeal Biden's E.V. incentives.
- Analysts believe the E.V. market may continue growing despite potential policy rollbacks.
- Automakers have invested heavily in E.V. production, which may temper the impact of policy changes.
Key quote:
“Our time frame as a company, our planning time frame, is a lot longer than election cycles. When we’re whipsawed back and forth by politicians that becomes really difficult for us.”
— William Clay Ford Jr., executive chair of Ford Motor
Why this matters:
Potential policy reversals raise questions about the future of the U.S. automotive industry, which has seen a substantial shift toward electrification in recent years. Major car manufacturers have invested billions in EV technology, aligning their strategies with Biden's vision for a greener economy. Rolling back these policies could not only disrupt these plans but also slow progress towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions, a critical component in addressing global warming.
Related:
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Credit: Ralph Hutter/Unsplash
Electric car charging stations fall behind growing demand
The rapid increase in electric vehicle sales in the U.S. is far outpacing the growth of public charging infrastructure, posing a challenge to widespread EV adoption.
In short:
- The U.S. now has over 20 electric cars for every public charger, up from 7 per charger in 2016.
- Tesla's Supercharger network, a key part of the EV infrastructure, recently faced a setback with the firing of its entire team.
- Despite most EV owners charging at home, public chargers are crucial for long trips and for those without home charging options.
Key quote:
"You often hear about the chicken and the egg question between chargers and electric vehicles. But overall the U.S. needs more public charging."
— Corey Cantor, senior associate for electric vehicles, BloombergNEF
Why this matters:
For those committed to reducing their carbon footprint, this issue creates a frustrating paradox: they want to support sustainable technology, but logistical hurdles make it difficult. The current infrastructure development is simply not fast enough to meet the burgeoning demand.
Related: Tesla scales back on building electric vehicle charging stations
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Photo by Cyrus Crossan on Unsplash
For truckers driving EVs, there’s no going back
Electric trucks still make up only a tiny fraction of trucks on the road in the United States.
Image by Hermann Traub from Pixabay
Hybrid cars enjoy a renaissance as all-electric sales slow
Automakers like Ford, Kia and Toyota are offering more hybrid options to appeal to buyers who aren’t ready for fully electric vehicles.
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