The Impact of Electric Vehicles on the Environment
The Impact of Electric Vehicles on the Environment

Author(s): Anton Vorina, Klementina Klepej
Subject(s): Social Sciences
Published by: Udruženje ekonomista i menadžera Balkana
Summary/Abstract: The article examines the environmental implications of electric vehicles, focusing on their impact on air, soil, water, climate change, and carbon footprint. The analysis draws on sources published after 2020. The primary goal of the research is to evaluate the positive and negative environmental effects of electric vehicles. While electric vehicles produce zero tailpipe emissions, a broader perspective reveals a more complex picture. The manufacturing process for electric vehicles can generate up to 70% higher emissions than that of gasoline vehicles. Despite this, sales of electric vehicles have surged in recent years. Global sales increased by 49% to 6.2 million units in the first half of 2023, representing approximately 16% of the global light vehicle market. Electric vehicles reduce air pollution compared to traditional vehicles but do not entirely eliminate the problem. Furthermore, the electricity powering electric vehicles often comes from power plants, contributing to soil and water pollution. To achieve a more significant climate benefit, electric vehicles generally need to be driven over 90,000 kilometers before surpassing the environmental impact of internal combustion engine vehicles.

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