Continued from Cover
The Paradox most lithium-ion batteries, some of the ways that lithium is sourced are far from environmentally friendly. An alkali metal, lithium has seen enormous growth in demand over the last few decades. This is partly a result of the growth in demand for EVs, but also the fact that lithium is used in the batteries of many electronic devices, such as smartphones and laptops. Lithium is also an important raw resource for the production of glass and ceramics. And its use has been accelerating over time. According to some sources, between 2008 and 2018, annual production of lithium rose from 25,400 to 85,000 tons. Li-ion battery production aside (we’ll dedicate a section to that later), other environmental impacts include the kinds of motors used in EVs. Depending on the model, these will either be permanent magnets or induction motors. The former tend to be made of
rare-earth metals which require energy-intensive extraction and refinement processes. The mining of these materials can also lead to the release of toxic byproducts that, in countries with less than ideal environmental practices, can be devastating for the environment. Another environmental impact of EVs is the method in which the electricity used to power them is sourced. For many countries, this still includes large amounts of fossil fuel power stations. Carbon dioxide emissions aside, the combustion of carbon-based fuels releases other noxious fumes, including sulfur and nitrous oxides, as well as particulate matter. This can lead to secondary environmental impacts like acid rain and can cause respiratory problems if the particulate matter reaches a certain threshold. EV vehicles, like combustion-engined vehicles, also release particulate matter from their braking systems. This so-called “non-exhaust particle emissions (PM)” can also contribute to respiratory diseases in built-up areas like cities. And the effects of this can be
significant. According to some statistics, this form of PM may be responsible for thousands of premature deaths in the UK alone. It is important to note that these kinds of statistics rarely distinguish between the source of the PM, and include various sources including EVs and convention combustion-engined vehicles. Interestingly enough, asbestos used to be used as brake pads in many vehicles, but has since been banned in many countries around the world. But we digress. While generally considered a smaller contributing source than internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEs), EVs still require friction braking systems to operate safely. Regenerative braking systems can be used to alleviate the issue of PM generation when braking, but ultimately to stop any vehicle, some form of friction-based braking will likely be necessary. For this reason, a factor termed the “rebound effect” could come into play. As EVs become more popular over time, they are incentivized by authorities, their costs reduce
over time and more people will be encouraged to use them. The result, as the argument goes, is we will see more of them on our roads, although since they release fewer PMs overall, this may be a benefit. The issue with PMs could also be mitigated, for all types of vehicles, with advancements being made in frictionless braking systems (like eddy current brake systems), although these are likely some years away from being commercially viable. What are the benefits of lithium-ion batteries in EVs? Lithium-ion batteries, Li-ion for short, are one of the most ubiquitous sources of portable power in the world today. You can find them in cellphones, laptops, power tools and, of course, electrical vehicles. The reason for this is varied but, in short, the technology is reliable, requires low maintenance, lasts a relatively long time, can be charged quickly and is usually safe and easy to use. All great attributes as a portable source of power. But one of the main standout
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