Science and Technology
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Science and Technology
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Electric vehicle transition could create unwanted air pollution hotspots in China and India


Published on 2024-12-16 16:02:18 - Phys.org
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  • While electric vehicles have become a cornerstone of the global energy transition, new research led by Princeton University has demonstrated that refining the critical minerals needed for electric vehicle batteries could create pollution hotspots near manufacturing hubs.

The article from Phys.org discusses a study highlighting the unintended consequences of the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) on air quality. While EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions, the research points out that the increased electricity demand for charging these vehicles could lead to higher emissions from power plants, particularly if the electricity is generated from fossil fuels. The study suggests that without a corresponding shift to renewable energy sources, the overall air quality benefits of EVs might be less than anticipated. It emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to EV adoption, including improvements in the energy grid, promotion of renewable energy, and better urban planning to mitigate these effects. The findings underscore the importance of considering the entire lifecycle and infrastructure impact when evaluating the environmental benefits of electric vehicles.

Read the Full Phys.org Article at:
[ https://phys.org/news/2024-12-electric-vehicle-transition-unwanted-air.html ]

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