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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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    Cited by:

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    7. Fang, Hong & Zhao, Dongliang & Yuan, Jinchao & Aili, Ablimit & Yin, Xiaobo & Yang, Ronggui & Tan, Gang, 2019. "Performance evaluation of a metamaterial-based new cool roof using improved Roof Thermal Transfer Value model," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 248(C), pages 589-599.
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    9. Bruno Jetin, 2020. "Who will control the electric vehicle market?," International Journal of Automotive Technology and Management, Inderscience Enterprises Ltd, vol. 20(2), pages 156-177.
    10. 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.
    11. Zunian Luo, 2022. "Powering Up a Slow Charging Market: How Do Government Subsidies Affect Charging Station Supply?," Papers 2210.14908, arXiv.org, revised Jan 2023.
    12. P. Abirami & C. N. Ravi, 2022. "Enhancing grid stability by maintaining power quality in distribution network using FOPID and ANN controlled shunt active filter," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 24(6), pages 7551-7578, June.
    13. Jones, Ben & Elliott, Robert J.R. & Nguyen-Tien, Viet, 2020. "The EV revolution: The road ahead for critical raw materials demand," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 280(C).
    14. 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.
    15. 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.
    16. Enea Mele & Anastasios Natsis & Aphrodite Ktena & Christos Manasis & Nicholas Assimakis, 2021. "Electromobility and Flexibility Management on a Non-Interconnected Island," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(5), pages 1-20, March.
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    Battery; Costs; Emissions; Lithium;
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