1.WHETHER EV IS REALLY ECO-FRIENDLY?

What Does Being Eco-Friendly Mean?

Before diving into the EV debate, let’s clarify what it means to be eco-friendly. Being eco-
friendly entails practices that are not directly harmful to the environment and have a minimal
impact on the planet and its ecosystems. However, determining the true environmental impact of
any practice, including electric vehicles, can take time due to the complexity of modern supply
chains and manufacturing processes.

How Electric Vehicles are Environmentally Friendly

At first glance, electric vehicles appear to be a cleaner choice due to their lack of tailpipe
emissions. Here are some reasons why they are considered environmentally friendly:

1. Zero Tailpipe Emissions: Unlike traditional vehicles, EVs produce no

tailpipe emissions, making them excellent for reducing air pollution in urban
areas.

2. Improved Efficiency: EVs are highly efficient in converting electricity into

power at the wheels, minimising energy waste compared to combustion
engines.

3. Renewable Energy: EVs can be charged with electricity from renewable

sources like wind or solar power, further reducing their carbon footprint.

4. Reduction in Greenhouse Gas Emissions: As more people switch to EVs,

greenhouse gas emissions, including carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide,
decrease significantly. This benefits public health by reducing the risk of
diseases like lung cancer and heart attacks

The Harmful Environmental Impacts of Electric Vehicles

While the benefits of EVs are evident, they don’t tell the whole story. We need to consider the
environmental impact at various stages of an EV’s lifespan:

 Manufacturing. The production of EVs, especially their batteries, raises

environmental concerns. Lithium, a key component, is mined using
processes that require vast amounts of water and emit carbon dioxide. This
harms local communities and contributes to deforestation and biodiversity
loss.

 Consumer Use. EVs are more sustainable during their operational phase, but
their economic viability depends on factors like charging infrastructure,
energy sources, and long-distance travel. Plus, they’re not as cost-effective
as they may seem.
  End-of-Life Disposal. Discarding EV batteries improperly can release toxic-
heavy metals into ecosystems, posing a long-term threat to the environment
and human health.

Sustainability Considerations
Sustainability involves meeting current needs without compromising the ability of future
generations to meet their needs. EVs offer some sustainability benefits:

1. Efficiency: EVs excel in converting energy into power, especially in urban

settings where combustion engines are inefficient.

2. Reduced Reliance on Fossil Fuels: EVs reduce dependence on finite fossil

fuel resources, potentially benefiting future generations.

3. Renewable Energy: The shift to EVs can drive growth in the renewable
energy sector, furthering sustainability goals.

Greenwashing and Ethical Concerns

Greenwashing, or misleading advertising, often portrays EVs as more eco-friendly than they
genuinely are. This creates misconceptions among consumers. Additionally, mining rare earth
metals for EV batteries involves unethical labour practices, including child labour.

Global Consequences
Aside from the direct environmental impact of electric and traditional vehicles, the secondary
impacts must also be considered. Historically, the automotive industry has played a major part in
helping the oil industry grow in many nations, such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Russia. Over the
years, these nations have grown to be leaders in oil exports, with Saudi Arabia and Russia
occupying the number two and three spots for largest exporters of oil, and Qatar being the 14th
largest (US Energy Information Administration, 2023). The exports of oil for the purpose of fuel
have played a massive role in enriching these nations over the past two decades, with Qatar
being the fourth richest country in the world mainly due to its oil. Here, too, greenwashing plays
a role, as switching to EVs is viewed as a benefit, especially to youth capable of purchasing
vehicles, as it reduces our reliance on nations with poor human rights records and, therefore,
reduces their power and influence. This consequently boosts the view that EVs are, in fact, guilt-
free – they help reduce our reliance on nations that have a disregard for fundamental human
rights.

Conclusion
Electric vehicles have their merits, particularly in urban environments where they reduce
emissions and contribute to cleaner air. However, their overall eco-friendliness is marred by
complex manufacturing processes, sustainability challenges, and ethical concerns in the supply
chain. Making an informed choice about EVs requires considering their total environmental
impact and the broader ethical implications.
As consumers, it’s essential to be aware of greenwashing and demand greater transparency from
automakers regarding their products’ actual environmental costs. To truly drive positive change,
the focus should shift not only to adopting EVs but also to creating a more sustainable, ethical,
and eco-friendly ecosystem for electric mobility.

Ultimately, electric vehicles offer a glimpse of a more sustainable future but are not a magic
solution. Achieving true eco-friendliness in transportation requires systemic changes, from
cleaner manufacturing processes to greener energy sources and a commitment to ethical supply
chains.

2.WHETHER EV RUNNING COST IS REALLY CHEAPER

THAN IC ENGINE VEHICLE?

Electric vehicles (EVs) are often considered to have a lower running cost compared to internal
combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. However, whether they are truly cheaper to run depends on
various factors, including energy costs, maintenance, and usage patterns. Here's a detailed
comparison:

1. Energy Costs

 Electricity vs. Fuel Costs:

o EVs: Electricity is generally cheaper per kilometer than gasoline or diesel. The
cost to charge an EV depends on the local electricity rate, but on average, it’s
significantly lower than the cost of fueling an ICE vehicle.
o ICE Vehicles: Fuel prices fluctuate but are usually higher per kilometer than the
cost of electricity for EVs. In regions with high fuel taxes or prices, the cost
difference can be even more pronounced.

2. Maintenance Costs

 EVs:
o Fewer Moving Parts: EVs have fewer moving parts than ICE vehicles, resulting
in lower maintenance costs. There’s no need for oil changes, and components like
the transmission and exhaust system are either simplified or non-existent.
o Brake Wear: Regenerative braking in EVs reduces wear on brake pads, further
lowering maintenance costs.
o Battery Maintenance: While battery degradation is a concern, modern EVs are
designed for long battery life, and warranties often cover battery health for several
years.
 ICE Vehicles:
o Regular Maintenance: Requires regular oil changes, engine tune-ups, and
exhaust system repairs, which add to running costs.
 o Higher Wear and Tear: The complexity of ICE engines and their reliance on
numerous mechanical components leads to higher overall maintenance and repair
costs.

3. Insurance Costs

 EVs: Insurance premiums for EVs can sometimes be higher due to the cost of the vehicle
and battery, but this varies widely depending on the model, region, and insurance
provider.
 ICE Vehicles: Generally, insurance is based on the vehicle's value, repair costs, and risk
factors. In some cases, ICE vehicles may have lower premiums compared to EVs.

4. Depreciation

 EVs: Historically, EVs depreciated faster due to concerns about battery life and
technology advancements. However, as EV technology matures and demand increases,
depreciation rates are becoming more comparable to ICE vehicles.
 ICE Vehicles: Depreciation is typically steady, but long-term value can be impacted by
shifts toward cleaner transportation and potential future regulations.

5. Government Incentives and Taxes

 EVs: Many regions offer incentives like tax rebates, lower registration fees, and
exemptions from road taxes to promote EV adoption. These incentives can significantly
reduce the overall cost of ownership.
 ICE Vehicles: Some governments impose higher taxes or fees on ICE vehicles,
particularly those with higher emissions, increasing the cost of ownership.

6. Charging Infrastructure

 EVs: Access to home charging is a key advantage. Public charging may be free or
cheaper than fuel but can vary. The availability of charging infrastructure is also a
consideration, though it is rapidly improving.
 ICE Vehicles: Fueling infrastructure is widely available, and refueling is quick and
convenient, which remains a practical advantage for many users.

Conclusion

EVs generally have a lower running cost than ICE vehicles due to cheaper energy costs, lower
maintenance expenses, and available government incentives. The total cost of ownership for EVs
can be significantly lower, especially in regions with favorable electricity rates and robust
charging infrastructure. However, initial purchase price, insurance, and regional factors may
affect the overall savings, so it's essential to consider the specific context and usage patterns
when evaluating the cost-effectiveness of EVs versus ICE vehicles.