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Credit: Fahroni/Big Stock Photo
Toxic chemicals in EV battery production raise health concerns
As the demand for electric vehicle batteries grows, communities near production sites worry about toxic chemical exposure and health risks.
In short:
- EV batteries use PVDF, a polymer made by companies previously linked to dangerous chemical emissions.
- Residents near these plants, such as in New Jersey and Georgia, report health issues and ongoing legal battles over contamination.
- Experts warn that new manufacturing methods may still produce harmful byproducts, posing ongoing risks.
Key quote:
"For 45 years we’ve lived in it, bathed in it, cooked with it, drank it.’"
— Richard Bond, local citizen who lives downriver of Solvay Specialty Polymers
Why this matters:
While the transition to EVs is celebrated for its promise of reducing carbon emissions and combating climate change, the environmental and health impacts of battery production are raising alarms.
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Credit: Nataliya Hora/Big Stock Photo
Trump vows to dismantle Biden’s electric vehicle policies
Former President Donald Trump has pledged to dismantle President Biden's electric vehicle policies if re-elected, threatening tariffs and policy reversals.
Coral Davenport and Jack Ewing report for The New York Times.
In short:
- Trump has criticized electric vehicles and plans to impose tariffs and repeal Biden's E.V. incentives.
- Analysts believe the E.V. market may continue growing despite potential policy rollbacks.
- Automakers have invested heavily in E.V. production, which may temper the impact of policy changes.
Key quote:
“Our time frame as a company, our planning time frame, is a lot longer than election cycles. When we’re whipsawed back and forth by politicians that becomes really difficult for us.”
— William Clay Ford Jr., executive chair of Ford Motor
Why this matters:
Potential policy reversals raise questions about the future of the U.S. automotive industry, which has seen a substantial shift toward electrification in recent years. Major car manufacturers have invested billions in EV technology, aligning their strategies with Biden's vision for a greener economy. Rolling back these policies could not only disrupt these plans but also slow progress towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions, a critical component in addressing global warming.
Related:
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Credit: Ralph Hutter/Unsplash
Electric car charging stations fall behind growing demand
The rapid increase in electric vehicle sales in the U.S. is far outpacing the growth of public charging infrastructure, posing a challenge to widespread EV adoption.
In short:
- The U.S. now has over 20 electric cars for every public charger, up from 7 per charger in 2016.
- Tesla's Supercharger network, a key part of the EV infrastructure, recently faced a setback with the firing of its entire team.
- Despite most EV owners charging at home, public chargers are crucial for long trips and for those without home charging options.
Key quote:
"You often hear about the chicken and the egg question between chargers and electric vehicles. But overall the U.S. needs more public charging."
— Corey Cantor, senior associate for electric vehicles, BloombergNEF
Why this matters:
For those committed to reducing their carbon footprint, this issue creates a frustrating paradox: they want to support sustainable technology, but logistical hurdles make it difficult. The current infrastructure development is simply not fast enough to meet the burgeoning demand.
Related: Tesla scales back on building electric vehicle charging stations
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Photo by Cyrus Crossan on Unsplash
For truckers driving EVs, there’s no going back
Electric trucks still make up only a tiny fraction of trucks on the road in the United States.
Image by Hermann Traub from Pixabay
Hybrid cars enjoy a renaissance as all-electric sales slow
Automakers like Ford, Kia and Toyota are offering more hybrid options to appeal to buyers who aren’t ready for fully electric vehicles.
Photo by John Cameron on Unsplash
How the humble stink bug helped Australia miss a major EV milestone
Just as thousands of motorists were expecting a Christmas car delivery, the cargo ship holding them off the coast of Brisbane turned around and returned to China. The reason? The discovery of yellow-spotted stink bugs.
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Photo by Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦 on Unsplash
How one community is ensuring it benefits from a new EV factory
Legally binding community benefits agreements are making sure the green transition projects coming to town work for the good of everyone.
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