We must not overlook the dark side of electric vehicles
Source: www.varsity.co.uk
Electric vehicles rely on battery technology and lithium-ion batteries. They have a higher energy density than other types, a low self-discharge rate, they don’t require regular maintenance, and they have a long lifespan. Unfortunately, though, this is not the full story. 75% of the world's lithium is found beneath the salt flats of Chile, Argentina, and Bolivia.
The first problem is water. In Chile’s Salar de Atacama salt flat, lithium mining consumes 65% of the region's water which has led to severe water shortages and local farmers are struggling to grow crops and rear livestock.
Another problem is money. According to a Washington Post investigation, Minera Exar, a Canadian-Chilean lithium mining company, struck deals with six aboriginal communities in Argentina in order to build a new mine. The mine is believed to earn the company more than $250 million a year in sales. How much of this goes back to the local communities? According to the investigation, each community receives an annual payment of between $9,000 and $60,000.
Another problem is recycling. As it currently stands, the development of technology to recycle lithium batteries is falling behind the rapid rise in electric vehicles. In a few years' time, when more electric vehicles reach the end of their lives, this is set to cause a serious waste problem. If discarded battery packs end up in landfills, they run the risk of undergoing “thermal runaway,” and potentially causing explosions.