Young Reporter : Charging Ahead (Muhammad Ahmed, ICHS)
By Muhammad Ahmed
Electric cars run on electricity, as the name suggests, and are powered by Lithium-ion batteries. They have made their place in the automotive industry over the last 10 years, after the major release of the Tesla Model S in 2013. Large companies such as Porsche have released their ‘Taycan’ line and are consistently working on the refinement of this technology, since its release in 2020. Electric cars seem amazing, by reducing the carbon output by over 45%, but they too come with their disadvantages.
Fossil fuels are hydrocarbons and consist of coal, oil, and gas. These are remains from the fossils of animals in the Earth’s crust over millions of years, and they are a finite resource; they are bound to run out one day. Fossil fuel cars have been dominating the market, with a 52.5% share in all automobile cars. They were first invented in 1886 by Karl Benz. Over the last 150 years, the internal combustion engine technology has been refined and become extremely widespread over the world, to the extent that making the switch to electrically powered vehicles have become a challenge for many.
Travelling and range
Electric powered vehicles do not make sound when travelling. This is a make-or-break deal for most drivers on the road, not having the background noise of an internal combustion engine. Noise pollution is a huge factor in urban environments, and the facility of an electric car reduces this significantly. Furthermore, there are Noise Regulation laws which are starting to be put in place after a certain time. By having an electric car, it falls in the limits of Noise Regulation systems, therefore reducing the need for additional noise-control measures. These factors, in turn are essential for a sustainable future and having an electric car contributes to this cause extensively.
However, travelling with an electric car can be a major inconvenience. On average, electric cars do not tend to surpass the 250-mile mark in terms of range. And this is with careful driving. By considering the several increases and decreases in acceleration, heating and air conditioning, the range significantly decreases. Having the problem of constantly charging the vehicle can deviate the consumer from purchasing an electric vehicle and move towards the petroleum option. As the technology of electric cars is still in development, charging times do not match the speed of a fossil-fuelled vehicle. Typically, with a 350kW charger, a car can go from 0 to 80% in under 45 minutes. However, a petroleum powered vehicle can do this in under 5 minutes. As a result, for longer journeys, electric vehicles are not able to match the sheer convenience of fossil fuel cars.
The cost of owning an electric vehicle
Vehicles powered by electric power are exceedingly expensive, due to the rawness of the technology and the cost to build and construct the car. However, the costs for fuel are much cheaper, with a full charge costing as less as £12.46. In contrast, fossil fuel powered vehicles typically cost about £1.60 a litre. If a car has a 75L tank, this cost comes to £120, almost ten times the price of an electric car! Although the cost upfront for an electric vehicle out budgets that of a petroleum vehicle, overall, the electric car will be more economical. There are multiple factors which contribute to this.
For example, the UK government has begun to issue grants as of 2020. For qualifying electric cars, governments issue a £7,000 grant, to encourage the consumer to purchase this technology. Maintenance costs are also rare. With an internal combustion engine vehicle, there are many liquids such as the oil, the engine coolant, and the engine anti-rust coats. With an electric car, these products are eliminated, thus making the electric car easier on the consumers wallet! Laibah Ather, an investment banker at Morgan Stanley states that “an electric car is indefinitely better than a fossil fuel car in the long run”.
However, the internal combustion engine car is not as demanding in its maintenance. For example, if the engine oil needs to be replaced, it will cost no more than £100 to do so. However, if the lithium battery in an electric car needs to be replaced, this can cost thousands of pounds. Although this occurrence is rare, this has happened previously with several electric vehicles in the world, and this will be talked about in the article. Internal combustion engines almost never explode due to the safety measures installed in more modern cars, and the fact that the idea of cars powered by fossil fuels has been around for much longer than electric cars.
The Extraction and Decomposition
The process of decomposition and extraction for both model variants are not easy and can use up vast amounts of energy. The extraction of Lithium, which is used in electric cars, has a severe environmental impact. Traditional methods of extraction such as brine evaporation ponds and rock mining use up thousands of litres per unit produced, affecting nearby ecosystems and water resources. By driving an electric car in one place, the same damage is being caused in the factories where these units are manufactured when compared to petroleum powered vehicles.
The extraction of fossil fuels poses social, economic, and environmental concerns. The extraction of fossil fuels lead to issues with air and water pollution. The by-products of extraction, such as methane and carbon dioxide pollute the surrounding air and water, which can result in reduced biodiversity and disruptions in the ecosystem. Ms. Chrisostomou, a teacher at Ilford County High School, regards this as “extremely unethical”. Oil spills, such as the Deepwater Horizon oil spill can cause major economic losses. 210 million gallons of fuel had been lost that day, causing a loss of over a billion pounds. This also led to a tear in the reputation of BP, who were conducting this operation. Thus, each model variant has its drawbacks of extraction, which certainly weigh out the advantages, of which there are very few.
The decomposition of lithium batteries is extraordinarily complex, and they are exceedingly difficult to recycle and get rid of. This is due to them not being biodegradable, so they often end in landfill sites. Over time, they can release harmful gases, which can contaminate that area for an extended period, disrupting those around it. Fossil fuels, however, do not share this problem. They do not need to be recycled as they are burnt and released into the air.
In all, it is important to realise that both fossil fuels and lithium batteries have environmental impacts, but in their respective ways. Fossil fuels contribute to the climate change crisis, and lithium batteries can disrupt the environment around it if not taken care of properly. Sustainable practices are crucial to minimize the impact of both fossil fuels and emerging technologies such as lithium batteries.
The electric car is an emerging technology. It comes with its benefits, such as meeting noise regulations and a cheaper operating cost, but this undeniably comes with its challenges. A limited range, a low energy density and difficulties recycling are all factors which do not attract a consumer. Mr. Murdock, a P. E teacher states his view as “preferring to own an electric car as opposed to a fossil fuel car”. Fossil fuels, aswell have their advantages and disadvantages. More refined technology, more options and a cheaper cost upfront attract a consumer, but in turn, it contributes significantly to the ongoing climate change crisis. In this pivotal moment, the intersection of technology, responsibility and consumer choice defines our future. Whether it is the silent drive of the electric car or the roar of a V10, the decisions made by YOU will shape our future. The choice is ours, and as we steer ourselves into a greener future, may it be a journey of awareness, guidance and ultimately the conscience of shaping a sustainable future.