Electric vehicles (EVs) have emerged as the most likely option to replace traditional gasoline-powered vehicles on roads around the world. Manufacturers are investing more and more resources in this area, with some even pledging to stop producing fossil fuel-powered vehicles by the end of the next decade. 

Meanwhile, governments are putting pressure on motorists to make the switch, with legislation forcing drivers in many countries to find an alternative to the traditional vehicles we’ve relied on for so long. For example, the UK Government has imposed a ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles, set to be enforced in 2030. 

However, whilst EVs are clearly a more sustainable option than conventional cars, they still leave a carbon footprint, with the vast majority of the emissions coming from the manufacturing process. So how can we make EVs even more environmentally friendly? We explore some of the things both drivers and manufacturers can do to make electric vehicles truly green.

Manufacturing 

Before you’ve driven a mile in your new EV, it’ll already have left a major environmental footprint, due primarily to the manufacturing processes in place. The batteries in particular are creating a headache for automotive companies. Most EVs are powered by lithium-ion batteries, which rely on cobalt, lithium, and other raw materials. But the extraction processes in place for these materials are extremely harmful not only to the environment but also to local human life. In addition to the poisonous greenhouse gases that are emitted during the process, the waste that’s created can also contaminate water supplies and soil, leaving a devastating impact on biodiversity. 

In response, manufacturers are seeking to eliminate some of the most harmful materials from the process. On top of this, it’s important that mining processes for any materials that are used become more efficient, whilst also safeguarding the workers and local communities. 

Renewable charging 

Whilst electric charging will produce far fewer emissions than using fossil fuels in traditional cars, to make EVs truly green, we have to consider where the electricity comes from, and how we can make our charging routine kinder to the planet.

The amount of carbon emissions created by topping up an EV will vary in different regions, depending on how the local energy is produced. For example, if the energy in a local grid is predominantly generated from renewable sources, the overall carbon footprint of your EV will be reduced. Whilst we can’t choose where the electricity for public chargers comes from, one thing we can control is home chargers. If you’re unable to generate your own energy from renewable sources, consider switching to a green energy tariff, which will help to increase the amount of renewable energy that enters the grid.

Recycling batteries 

Not only do we have to consider how the batteries are produced in the first place, but to make the entire lifecycle of an EV truly green, we also have to think about how we handle the batteries after they can no longer be used on the road. According to studies, just 5% of lithium-ion batteries are recycled in the U.S, compared to a recycling rate of 99% for lead-acid batteries. And whilst recycling technologies are being improved to make the process easier, currently, the system doesn’t go far enough to manage the ever-growing demand for EVs. 

 

Developments in recycling technology will make it easier for consumers to make eco-conscious decisions regarding their EVs and its battery at the end of their useful life. But manufacturers are also looking to play their part in this area. For example, Nissan is reusing old batteries from some of their electric models to power vehicles used inside their factories. 

 

As demand soars across the globe, both consumers and manufacturers will have to take these three things into consideration, in order for EVs to truly be the cars of the future.