The bigger picture of EVs has to start with the raw materials needed to make one,
So lets start with the very basic and important part the batteries,
Current batteries ( 2023) require raw materials the extraction of which produces higher amounts of carbon emissions, studies have shown that the manufacture of the very basic part of an EV produces higher amounts of carbon emissions than a standard ICE.
- Lithium- production of Lithium uses significant amounts of water and energy, this leads to local ecological damage and waste. the extraction of Lithium does pollute the air and local natural water supplies such as rivers. It also damages wildlife habitats and leads to soil erosion further causing ecological damage.
- Cobalt - Cobalt is currently turning to a deadly chemical due to the levels of toxic waste during the extraction, this in turn is damaging landscapes, water pollution and contaminating crops. Cobalt mining also uses child labour and deaths of members of the local community.
- Nickel - Again the mining of Nickel also causes significant damage to the local ecosystems, water supplies, soil contamination, energy usage and working conditions.
Still under the belief that EVs are better then carry on reading:
Individual parts of an EV such as the interiors and exteriors use a lot of plastic, Plastic is derived from oil the very thing that the governments and Environmentalists want to move away from . The truth is EV's still consume a very large amount of oil during the manufacture of pretty much every part on a vehicle. Lets not forget about the transportation of the components to and from the factories.
