But batteries have their own environmental problems.
From this point of view, almost anything is better.
We need to ditch coal and oil ASAP, no matter what it takes.
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“Lithium-ion batteries, especially those powering most e-bikes and scooters, need to improve drastically.
In addition to long charging times, the most pressing concern is catching fire.
EV Battery Life
Batteries are fueling EV growth, from giant SUVs to humble electric bikes.
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But we also ignore the problems.
First, producing batteries has a significant environmental and human impact.
And even after manufacturing, the lifecycle of a battery is shorter than you might expect.
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EV Battery Recycling
Then, too, recycling itself has an impact.
“Oftentimes, we think that encouraging recycling is the catch-all solution to making the material more sustainable.
But unfortunately, it isn’t.
Recycling programs are often happening at these very mines where child labor is rampant.
At the end of their lives, batteries can become pretty toxic.
“Many batteries and solar panel parts are not recyclable, which obviously increases our waste generation.
Alternatives Like Hydrogen Fuel Cells
One other option is hydrogen.
The real problem is that we have built some societies around individual vehicles for both extended and short-distance use.
Those vehicles are far too big, a hangover from the plentiful energy of cheap gasoline.
