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Electric vehicles: solution or new problem?

Author

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  • Amela Ajanovic

    (Vienna University of Technology, TU Wien)

  • Reinhard Haas

    (Vienna University of Technology, TU Wien)

Abstract

Since electric vehicles (EVs) have been recognized as a technology that reduces local air pollution while improving transport energy security, they have been promoted in many countries. Yet, mainly due to their high costs, especially in the case of pure battery electric vehicles, and a lack of proper infrastructure, the use of EVs is still very limited. In this paper, some of the major barriers and the future challenges are discussed. The current problems are mainly attributed to two categories: (1) the battery performances and costs, as well as battery production including issue of material availability and (2) environmental benefits of EVs depending on the sources used for the electricity generation and their carbon intensity. The major conclusions are that (1) research and development with respect to batteries has by far the highest priority and (2) it has to be ensured that the electricity used in EVs is generated largely from renewable energy sources.

Suggested Citation

  • Amela Ajanovic & Reinhard Haas, 2018. "Electric vehicles: solution or new problem?," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 20(1), pages 7-22, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:endesu:v:20:y:2018:i:1:d:10.1007_s10668-018-0190-3
    DOI: 10.1007/s10668-018-0190-3
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    16. Jia Guo & Yaqi Li & Kjeld Pedersen & Daniel-Ioan Stroe, 2021. "Lithium-Ion Battery Operation, Degradation, and Aging Mechanism in Electric Vehicles: An Overview," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(17), pages 1-22, August.
    17. Theo Lieven & Beatrice Hügler, 2021. "Did Electric Vehicle Sales Skyrocket Due to Increased Environmental Awareness While Total Vehicle Sales Declined during COVID-19?," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(24), pages 1-19, December.
    18. Marina Siebenhofer & Amela Ajanovic & Reinhard Haas, 2021. "How Policies Affect the Dissemination of Electric Passenger Cars Worldwide," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(8), pages 1-23, April.
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    Keywords

    Battery; Costs; Emissions; Lithium;
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