instructions attached
· 3 pages already done - Need 4 more pages written · References already gotten on last page · Need 15 citations throughout paper · Besides the body of the paper, the title page, reference page, and any citations must be done in APA style · Minimum of 6 full pages (title page and reference page excluded) · References page: No source should appear on this page that is not cited in the paper. Every source listed should appear as an in text citation. · Citations: As a guideline, your paper should require a minimum of 15 in text citations. Use a combination of paraphrased material and direct quotations (both require a citation). · Sources: You must use reliable, reputable sources. The better the sources, the better the information! You need a minimum of eight different sources. Consult both sides of the issue; you may not use a biased source without countering with the other view. You must use at least 3 periodicals (magazine, newspaper, journal) – all sources may not be internet sites; use databases and books when possible. (10 year rule on websites) · You must construct a survey and use the data in your paper (this will count as one of your sources) Electric Vehicles Aren’t as Green as We Think Title Page Technology continues to advance, including that of electric vehicle technology, which has advanced rapidly since their introduction. Many believe that electric cars are the future and that they are the answer to some of the environmental issues we face today. Some believe that there is no harm done with the manufacturing, daily maintenance, and disposal of batteries. When you dig deeper and see what resources are needed to make batteries, the real cost of charging them, and the lifespan and disposal of the batteries, are they really the better choice for the environment? Electric cars have gained significant popularity in recent years as a potential solution to the environmental problems associated with gasoline-powered cars. While electric cars are often seen as a more sustainable and environmentally friendly option, they are not without their own set of environmental concerns. In fact, electric cars may not be as environmentally friendly as they are made out to be and can have a significant impact on the environment in several ways. Such as, polluting water in underground reservoirs, using a large amount of water to create their lithium batteries, endangering local populations near rare metal mines, and creating a large waste product after a battery is out of commission and not being recycled. The process that the batteries in these vehicles undergo during creation can cause huge amounts of water consumption as well as contamination. “Lithium Americas, has drawn protests from members of a Native American tribe, ranchers and environmental groups because it is expected to use billions of gallons of precious groundwater, potentially contaminating some of it for 300 years.” Water being polluted for hundreds of years should be a major concern because what are we gonna drink when all the water has been used to make batteries? The production process for electric cars involves the mining of minerals and rare earth metals used in the batteries, which can be both energy and resource intensive. The mining of these materials is often associated with environmental degradation, including the loss of natural habitats, deforestation, and pollution. The manufacturing process for electric cars also involves significant energy usage, which can result in greenhouse gas emissions and other forms of pollution. While electric cars are powered by electricity rather than gasoline, the electricity used to power them is often generated by non-renewable sources such as coal-fired power plants. This means that even though electric cars may produce zero emissions at the tailpipe, the electricity used to power them can still result in significant greenhouse gas emissions and other forms of pollution. Additionally, the production and transportation of batteries for electric cars also contributes to carbon emissions and other environmental concerns. The disposal of electric car batteries is another significant environmental concern. Lithium-ion batteries used in electric cars contain toxic materials such as cobalt, nickel, and lithium, which can leach into the environment when not properly disposed of. These materials can pollute the soil and groundwater, leading to long-term environmental damage. “The mine may cause groundwater contamination with metals including antimony and arsenic, according to federal documents.” Drinking water could be polluted with arsenic, an extremely toxic chemical that should be a great source of concern for citizens. Furthermore, the construction and maintenance of the charging infrastructure required for electric cars can also have a significant impact on the environment. Building charging stations often requires land development and energy consumption, which can result in deforestation, loss of natural habitats, and greenhouse gas emissions. Locals being endangered/ harmed in, or because of mines The mining of rare earth metals used in electric car batteries can be both resource-intensive and environmentally damaging. The mining process often involves the removal of large amounts of topsoil and the use of toxic chemicals, which can contaminate the surrounding water and soil. This can lead to health problems for local communities, including respiratory issues, skin irritation, and other illnesses. Furthermore, the process of transporting the mined materials from the mine to the manufacturing site can also have significant environmental impacts. This transportation can involve the burning of fossil fuels and the emission of greenhouse gas, which can contribute to climate change and air pollution. Locals living near rare mineral mines are particularly vulnerable to the negative effects of electric car production. They may be exposed to toxic chemicals and other pollutants that can lead to health problems and other negative impacts on their quality of life. In addition, the mining of these materials can have significant social impacts, including the displacement of local communities and the loss of traditional livelihoods Waste created from Ev batteries/ lack of recycling batteries Electric vehicle batteries are made up of lithium-ion, which is a complex mixture of materials such as cobalt, nickel, manganese, and lithium. These materials are often mined in countries with lax environmental regulations, leading to environmental and social issues such as land degradation, water pollution, and human rights abuses. Moreover, the production of EV batteries is energy-intensive and results in significant greenhouse gas emissions. According to a study by the European Commission's Joint Research Centre, the production of a typical EV battery results in 150-200 kilograms of carbon dioxide emissions per kilowatt-hour of battery capacity. EV batteries also have a limited lifespan, typically ranging from 5-15 years, depending on usage and conditions. Once the battery reaches the end of its life, it becomes electronic waste, or e-waste. E-waste is a significant environmental problem, as it contains toxic substances that can leach into the soil and water and harm human health and the environment. Currently, most EV batteries are either recycled or disposed of in landfills. However, recycling EV batteries is a complex process that requires specialized equipment and expertise. According to the International Energy Agency, only 5% of lithium-ion batteries are currently recycled globally, with most ending up in landfills or incinerators. The waste created by EV batteries is a significant challenge that needs to be addressed. Several solutions are being explored to tackle this issue, such as improving the recyclability of batteries, developing second-life applications for used batteries, and investing in research and development of new battery chemistries that are more sustainable. Improving the recyclability of batteries can involve designing batteries with easier disassembly, using more recyclable materials, and developing better recycling technologies. Second-life applications for used batteries involve repurposing them for stationary energy storage applications, such as storing energy from solar panels. Investing in research and development of new battery chemistries that are more sustainable is also crucial. For example, solid-state batteries are a promising technology that has the potential to be safer, more efficient, and more environmentally friendly than current lithium-ion batteries. In conclusion, with the advancement of electronic vehicles and the thought of them being the best solution for our environment, research shows that right now they are not. They cause a significant impact on the environment. They cause pollution of water, endangering of local populations, and create a large amount of waste product. With further research and development, they could very well be the way of the future. References Electric vehicle batteries (2004). Energy savers https://explore.proquest.com/sirsissuesresearcher/document/2250447088?searchid=1679058944&accountid=68538 Keveney, B. (2022). Electric vehicles for everyone? USA Today (Online). https://explore.proquest.com/sirsissuesresearcher/document/2656893679?accountid=68538 MacKay, J. (2012). Electric cars in the modern world. In Technology 360. Electric Cars (pp. 60-73). Lucent Books. https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/CX1537700013/SUIC?u=kali77407&sid=bookmark-SUIC&xid=c9be049e Penn, I., & Lipton, E. (2021). The lithium gold rush: inside the race to power electric vehicles. New York Times https://explore.proquest.com/sirsissuesresearcher/document/2524521398?accountid=68538 Pomeroy, S. (2023). Did electric vehicles pass the arctic weather test? Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. https://explore.proquest.com/sirsissuesresearcher/document/2768820300?accountid=68538 Tabuchi, H., & Plumer, B. (2021). How green are electric vehicles? New York Times https://explore.proquest.com/sirsissuesresearcher/document/2495593463?accountid=68538 Vasil, A. (2020). Will electric vehicles really benefit the environment? only if we.. , Toronto Star (Online). https://explore.proquest.com/sirsissuesresearcher/document/2405735805?accountid=68538 Wilmot, S. (2019). Electric vehicles face a big roadblock. Wall Street Journal. https://explore.proquest.com/sirsissuesresearcher/document/2295412277?accountid=68538 Other points that can be added to the paper and cited. Environmental Issues 1. Water Consumption/ Pollution a. “Geothermal plants produce energy without emissions, but they can require tens of billions of gallons of water annually for cooling.” b. “The company has said the mine will consume 3,224 gallons per minute. That could cause the water table to drop on land Bartell owns by an estimated 12 feet, according to a Lithium Americas consultant.” Lower ranges/ longer fueling 1. Cold weather means slower charge rate and less power 1. It takes the Evs 5xs longer to completely refuel compared to a regular car 1. Unable to drive for long periods of time at a high speed compared to combustion engines Other issues that electric vehicles are notorious for include a much slower refueling time, as well as less battery capacity during the colder months, and the rate of travel is greatly reduced in electric vehicles compared to combustion engines. Rare minerals Used in batteries 1. Expensive batteries 1. Batteries not being recycled 1. Unregistered market for lithium and cobalt meaning more unsafe work conditions for miners