Review of Economic, Technical and Environmental Aspects of Electric Vehicles

Marcin Koniak (), Piotr Jaskowski and Krzysztof Tomczuk
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Marcin Koniak: Faculty of Transport, Warsaw University of Technology, Koszykowa 75, 00-662 Warszawa, Poland
Piotr Jaskowski: Faculty of Transport, Warsaw University of Technology, Koszykowa 75, 00-662 Warszawa, Poland
Krzysztof Tomczuk: Department of Fundamentals of Engineering and Energy Institute of Mechanical Engineering, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Nowoursynowska Str. 164, 02-787 Warsaw, Poland

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 22, 1-21

Abstract: Electric vehicles (EVs) have seen significant advancements and mainstream adoption, prompting in-depth analysis of their economic, technical, and environmental impacts. Economically, while EVs offer lower operational costs than internal combustion engine vehicles, challenges remain, particularly for urban users reliant on public charging stations and the potential implementation of new road taxes to offset declining fuel tax revenues. Technically, electric motors in EVs have fewer moving parts, but battery management and cybersecurity complexities pose new risks. Transitioning from Nickel-Manganese-Cobalt (NMC) to Lithium-Iron-Phosphate (LFP) batteries reflects efforts to enhance thermal stability and mitigate fire hazards. Environmentally, lithium extraction for batteries has profound ecological impacts, including for water consumption and pollution. Battery production and the carbon footprint of the entire lifecycle remain pressing concerns, with battery recycling and second-life applications as crucial mitigation strategies. Smart integration of EVs with the energy infrastructure introduces challenges like grid stability and opportunities, such as smart, intelligent, innovative charging solutions and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology. Future research should develop economic models to forecast long-term impacts, advance battery technology, enhance cybersecurity, and conduct comprehensive environmental assessments to optimise the benefits of electromobility, addressing the multidimensional challenges and opportunities presented by EVs.

Keywords: transport; battery; electric vehicles (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
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