How to make electric vehicles truly green: Here are the challenges and solutions

According to projections from the International Energy Agency (IEA), the number of electric cars, buses, vans and heavy-duty trucks on the road is expected to reach 145 million by 2030. While this surge in EV adoption marks significant progress, it also highlights critical environmental challenges that need to be addressed. To truly contribute to a sustainable future, the EV industry must not only focus on reducing tailpipe emissions but also consider the environmental impact of the entire lifecycle of these vehicles, from production to disposal.

The need for greener electric vehicles

While electric vehicles are generally considered to be greener than traditional internal combustion engine vehicles due to the fact that they generate fewer carbon emissions during operation, their overall sustainability is influenced by their life cycle. Key concerns include the carbon footprint of battery production, the source of electricity used for charging, and the disposal of batteries at the end of their life cycle.

Battery production and resource use

The production of batteries for electric vehicles, particularly lithium-ion batteries, requires the extraction of minerals such as lithium, cobalt and nickel. This extraction process can lead to significant environmental degradation and high energy consumption.

For example, cobalt mining in the Democratic Republic of Congo has raised serious environmental and human rights concerns. To address these issues, companies like Tesla and Panasonic are working on developing more efficient and resource-efficient battery technologies. Tesla, for example, has invested in developing battery cells with reduced cobalt content, with the goal of reducing cobalt use in its batteries by more than 50% by 2030.

The environmental cost of electric vehicle charging

Another critical issue is the source of electricity used to charge electric vehicles. In many regions, including India, a significant portion of electricity is generated from coal, one of the most polluting fossil fuels. According to India’s Central Electricity Authority, coal accounts for nearly 70% of the country’s electricity generation.

This reliance on coal-fired power plants can undermine the environmental benefits of electric vehicles. A study by the Union of Concerned Scientists found that electric vehicles that charge with coal-generated electricity can have a carbon footprint comparable to or even greater than that of some conventional gasoline vehicles. Increasing the share of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, on the grid is crucial to improving the overall environmental benefits of electric vehicles.

Facing the challenge of recycling

Disposal of used EV batteries poses another pressing environmental issue. Lithium-ion batteries contain hazardous materials that can be harmful if not disposed of properly. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), only about 5% of lithium-ion batteries are currently recycled.

Companies like Redwood Materials, founded by former Tesla CTO JB Straubel, are pioneering the way to improve recycling practices. Redwood Materials has developed a process to recycle up to 95% of battery materials, significantly reducing the need for new mining and minimizing environmental impact. However, widespread adoption of such recycling programs is still needed to effectively manage e-waste.

Possible solutions for a greener electric vehicle industry

For electric vehicles to be truly green, several measures need to be taken throughout the supply chain:

1. 1. Increase the use of renewable energy: Transitioning to renewable energy sources for electricity generation is one of the most effective ways to reduce the carbon footprint of electric vehicles. Many governments are investing in renewable energy infrastructure. For example, India aims to reach 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030, including significant contributions from solar and wind power. By increasing the use of renewable energy, carbon emissions associated with charging electric vehicles can be substantially reduced.
   2. Development of efficient battery technologies: Innovations in battery technology are crucial to reducing the environmental impact of electric vehicles. Companies such as QuantumScape are working on solid-state batteries that promise higher energy density and improved safety, potentially reducing the environmental footprint of electric vehicles.
   3. Implementation of comprehensive recycling programs: Establishing efficient recycling programs for EV batteries is essential to minimizing e-waste and recovering valuable materials. Governments and industries must collaborate to create a robust infrastructure for battery recycling. The European Union has implemented regulations mandating battery recycling, which could serve as a model for other regions. In the U.S., efforts are underway to improve battery recycling infrastructure, with initiatives such as the Battery Recycling Act aiming to improve collection and recycling rates.
   4. Grid modernization and energy storage: Modernizing the grid to cope with increased demand for electric vehicles and integrating energy storage solutions can help reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Energy storage systems, such as large-scale battery installations, can store excess renewable energy generated during periods of low demand and release it when needed, ensuring a steady supply of green electricity for EV charging.

Towards a sustainable future

Electric vehicles are at the forefront of a transformative movement in the transportation sector and have the potential to significantly reduce global carbon emissions. However, the environmental promise of electric vehicles can only be realized through a comprehensive approach that addresses sustainability throughout their entire life cycle.

By advancing battery technology, ensuring the use of renewable energy and establishing robust recycling infrastructures, the EV industry can harness its potential as a cornerstone of a sustainable future. The path to greener mobility is complex, but with concerted efforts across the supply chain, EVs can become the catalyst for a cleaner, more sustainable planet.

—The author, Ankit Sharma, is co-founder and director of Vidyuta Materials Pvt. Ltd. India’s first manufacturer of cathode active material and ternary precursor for electric vehicles. The opinions expressed are personal.