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Electric Vehicles—An Overview of Current Issues—Part 1—Environmental Impact, Source of Energy, Recycling, and Second Life of Battery

Author

Listed:
  • Marek Guzek

    (Faculty of Transport, Warsaw University of Technology, Koszykowa 75, 00-662 Warsaw, Poland)

  • Jerzy Jackowski

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Institute of Vehicles and Transportation, Military University of Technology (WAT), Street gen. Sylwestra Kaliskiego 2, 00-908 Warsaw, Poland)

  • Rafał S. Jurecki

    (Department of Automotive Engineering and Transport, Faculty of Mechatronics and Mechanical Engineering, Kielce University of Technology, Ave. Tysiąclecia Państwa Polskiego 7, 25-314 Kielce, Poland)

  • Emilia M. Szumska

    (Department of Automotive Engineering and Transport, Faculty of Mechatronics and Mechanical Engineering, Kielce University of Technology, Ave. Tysiąclecia Państwa Polskiego 7, 25-314 Kielce, Poland)

  • Piotr Zdanowicz

    (Faculty of Transport, Warsaw University of Technology, Koszykowa 75, 00-662 Warsaw, Poland)

  • Marcin Żmuda

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Institute of Vehicles and Transportation, Military University of Technology (WAT), Street gen. Sylwestra Kaliskiego 2, 00-908 Warsaw, Poland)

Abstract

The rapid transition to electric-drive vehicles is taking place globally. Most automakers are adding electric models to their lineups to prepare for the new electric future. From the analysis of the automotive market, it is evident that there is a growing interest in such vehicles. They are expected to account for half the models released after 2030. Electric-drive vehicles include battery-electric vehicles. As indicated in the research literature and emphasized by experts, electric vehicles (EVs) are supposed to be an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional vehicles. The rising number and variety of EVs contribute to a better understanding of their performance. With more EVs on the market, there are problems to be solved and challenges to overcome. This article is the first part of a two-article series reviewing the strengths and weaknesses of EVs. The article analyzes the environmental effects of EVs at each stage of their life cycle, compares large- and small-scale recycling methods, and explores the potential applications of second-life batteries. This article is an attempt to find out how environmentally friendly EVs are.

Suggested Citation

  • Marek Guzek & Jerzy Jackowski & Rafał S. Jurecki & Emilia M. Szumska & Piotr Zdanowicz & Marcin Żmuda, 2024. "Electric Vehicles—An Overview of Current Issues—Part 1—Environmental Impact, Source of Energy, Recycling, and Second Life of Battery," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(1), pages 1-25, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:17:y:2024:i:1:p:249-:d:1312450
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Gao, Yuhang & Zhang, Mimi & Nasir, Muhammad Ali & Hao, Yan & Wu, Jinghui & Zhang, Lixiao, 2025. "ESG greenwashing behaviour in the electric vehicle supply chain: Insights from evolutionary game theory," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 289(C).
    2. Vijay Kumar Jain & Aditi Kumari & Shrish Singh & Vikas Tyagi, 2025. "Electric Vehicles as a Pathway to Decarbonisation in India: Assessing the Environmental Benefits and Challenges of EV Adoption for Sustainable Tomorrow," Circular Economy and Sustainability, Springer, vol. 5(7), pages 6773-6802, December.
    3. S. R. Milyakin, 2026. "Conditions and Opportunities for Reproducing the Passenger Automobile Fleet," Studies on Russian Economic Development, Springer, vol. 37(1), pages 90-99, February.

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