Inquiry research paper

Introduction: 

Electric vehicles are the way of the future, whether we like it or not the world is slowly and surely going into the direction of hybrids and fully autonomous vehicles. It’s important to think of the ways in which this will affect the surrounding environment. Due to climate policy, automakers are producing more hybrid, full hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and battery electric vehicles. (Hawkins 2012) The fight against climate change has led to a growth in the industry of electric cars.  Recycling lithium-ion batteries is a pressing issue because they are used to power electric vehicles. (Lei Wang 2020) We can’t only think about our present but our future, in a world full of ev’s what will happen to the breakdown of the ones for decades before? It would almost seem as if breaking down or destroying the battery is even worse than the emissions coming out of a combustion vehicle so there needs to be a solution. 

With somewhere around 3 million examples across the U.S. there’s no wonder as to why there are so many new charging stations popping in big cities especially, with the main interest being the little to no tailpipe emissions. Although secondary reuse of spent batteries is an important recycling method, there isn’t enough study on it at the high level, which is limiting the development of electric vehicles in a sustainable way. People have slowly been accepting the idea of an electric future, with the slow development of more hybrid vehicles where we aren’t solely reliant upon the battery seems to be a great middle ground. Not only that but it also has a negative effect on our atmosphere, the air that we breathe. 

In the 1990s, studies on the effects of EVs on air quality and the environment drew attention to worries about extra emissions brought on by expanded battery manufacture. The danger of focusing on individual mechanisms and repercussions within a larger system was worrisome for most and brought to their attention. As this was uncharted territory it was important to dig into the long-term effects, it might sound like the best thing since the wheel, however it was important to also look at its negatives. The term “financial attributes” refers to the expense of owning and operating a vehicle. With few exceptions like Ziegler (2012), who tried to capture the random effect using logarithms of the cost, all research revealed that purchase price had a negative and very significant impact on EV utility. (Fanchao Liao, Eric Molin & Bert van Wee (2017). 

Methodology for: 
Consumer preferences for electric vehicles: a literature review 

Liao, Molin, E., & van Wee (2017) conducted a systematic literature review of studies on consumer preferences for electric vehicles. The authors searched for relevant articles in various databases, including Web of Science, Scopus, and Transport Research International Documentation. They included studies that met their selection criteria and analyzed the data using content analysis.  This study involved conducting a comprehensive literature review of published studies on consumer preferences for electric vehicles. The study included articles published between 1996 and 2016, which were retrieved from the Web of Science, Scopus, and TRID databases. The inclusion criteria for selecting articles were that they must be in English and focused on consumer preferences for electric vehicles. 

Initially, a total of 1125 articles were identified, out of which 119 were selected based on the inclusion criteria. After reviewing the abstracts of the selected articles, 39 articles were excluded for not meeting the inclusion criteria, resulting in a final sample size of 80 articles. 

The data extraction process involved reading the full text of each article and extracting relevant information on the methodology, research questions, sample size, data collection, and analysis methods used. The data was organized into a matrix to facilitate comparison and synthesis. 

A narrative synthesis was used to summarize the findings of the studies, which included a description of the key factors affecting consumer preferences for electric vehicles, such as vehicle attributes, pricing, and government policies. The study also identified research gaps and limitations of the existing literature. 

Overall, the methodology used in this study was systematic and rigorous in identifying and synthesizing published literature on consumer preferences for electric vehicles. 

Methodology for: 

Environmental impacts of hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and battery electric vehicles—what can we learn from life cycle assessment? 

Nordelöf et al. (2014) conducted a life cycle assessment (LCA) to evaluate the environmental impacts of electric vehicles. They compared the impacts of hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and battery electric vehicles with those of conventional gasoline and diesel vehicles. They collected data from various sources, including vehicle manufacturers and LCA databases, and used the SimaPro software to model the life cycle of the vehicles.  

Methodology for: 

Optimal design of electric vehicle battery recycling network – From the perspective of electric vehicle manufacturer 

Zhang et al. (2020) conducted a literature review of studies on the market diffusion of electric vehicles. They searched for relevant articles in various databases, including Web of Science, Scopus, and ProQuest. They included studies that met their selection criteria and analyzed the data using a narrative synthesis approach. 

The study was conducted through an online survey platform, where the participants were invited to participate in the study. The invitation included a brief explanation of the study’s purpose, and participants were informed about the confidentiality of their responses and their right to withdraw from the study at any time. Upon agreeing to participate, the respondents were directed to the questionnaire. 

Data Section: 

This study aims to analyze the impact of electric vehicles (EVs) on the environment, specifically on the recycling of lithium-ion batteries used in these vehicles. The increasing demand for EVs due to climate policy has led to growth in the industry of electric cars. However, the recycling of lithium-ion batteries used in these vehicles is a pressing issue, and it needs to be addressed to ensure the sustainability of the electric vehicle industry.  

Studies have shown that the secondary reuse of spent batteries is an important recycling method. However, there is a lack of research on this topic at a high level, limiting the development of electric vehicles in a sustainable way. Therefore, this study will investigate the potential of secondary reuse of spent batteries and its impact on the environment.  

The data for this study will be obtained from the literature review of various research articles, including Nordelöf et al. (2014). The study will analyze the environmental impacts of hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and battery electric vehicles using life cycle assessment (LCA). This analysis will consider the whole life cycle of EVs, from the production of batteries to the disposal or recycling of spent batteries. 

 Electric cars have the potential to be a significant contributor to the transportation sector’s effort to reduce carbon emissions. It decreases emissions of CO, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, and fine particulates, slows the rate of climate change, and benefits urban areas. 

Emissions and improve the quality of the air in cities. However, we must also step up our efforts to limit the quantity of rare-earth minerals used in the mining and manufacturing processes (particularly for batteries and engines) if we want to make electric vehicles more ecologically friendly. The need to convert to renewable energy sources for electricity generation at the same time as advocating for clear battery safety requirements. 

Regarding the consumption of metals and minerals as well as the potential for human toxicity, EVs have a greater impact than ICE vehicles. EVs have the capacity to lower fossil fuel use and greenhouse gas emissions over the course of their full cycles. Improving power structure, battery technology, and recycling effectiveness is crucial for the widespread promotion of electric cars, the achievement of closed-loop manufacturing of batteries, and the sustainable development of resources, the environment, and the economy. Because batteries are a key component of EVs, we highlight the environmental implications of battery production, consumption, secondary usage, recycling, and remanufacturing. The results show that EVs have a bigger manufacturing-phase environmental impact than ICEVs due to the production of batteries. EVs do better than ICE cars in terms of the overall image during the consumption phase, albeit this is mostly based on the percentage of clean energy generation. 

IEA, Electric car registrations and sales share in China, United States, Europe and other regions, 2016-2021, IEA, Paris https://www.iea.org/data-and-statistics/charts/electric-car-registrations-and-sales-share-in-china-united-states-europe-and-other-regions-2016-2021, IEA. License: CC BY 4.0 

According to the above link, we can see that because of the many benefits of electric cars now more and more people are buying electric cars, because now there are many brands involved in electric cars the appearance is also very cool, plus can optimize the environment so people have no reason to refuse electric cars.  

The study will also look into the financial attributes of owning and operating an EV. Previous research has shown that the purchase price has a negative impact on the utility of EVs. Therefore, this study will analyze the relationship between the cost of owning and operating an EV and its utility.  

IEA, Electric car registrations and sales share in China, United States, Europe and other regions, 2016-2021, IEA, Paris https://www.iea.org/data-and-statistics/charts/electric-car-registrations-and-sales-share-in-china-united-states-europe-and-other-regions-2016-2021, IEA. License: CC BY 4.0          

According to the above link, we can see that because of the many benefits of electric cars now more and more people are buying electric cars, because now there are many brands involved in electric cars the appearance is also very cool, plus can optimize the environment so people have no reason to refuse electric cars. Over half of all electric vehicle sales globally were made in China in 2021, where sales nearly doubled to 3.3 million vehicles. Both the US (where sales more than doubled to 630,000) and Europe (where they rose by 65 percent to 2.3 million) saw considerable increases in sales. China often has smaller electric vehicles than other markets. This brings down the cost of manufacturing while also significantly reducing the price difference from conventional cars. In other significant markets, an electric car often costs 45% to 50% more than a conventional one, but just 10% more on average in China. However, because there are typically just a few models available at prohibitive prices for the mass market, electric car sales are behind in the majority of emerging and developing countries. 

Overall, the data collected from this study will provide insights into the impact of EVs on the environment and the potential for sustainable development of the electric vehicle industry.  

Compared to fuel oil, an electric motor emits far fewer carbon emissions. Compared to fuel oil, an electric motor emits far fewer carbon emissions.  The power battery used in electric cars may be used as a tool for energy storage and peak regulation once the energy Internet and Internet of Cars are created. Become the center of energy interaction at the terminal. Contrary to popular belief, outdated and ineffective batteries are nevertheless excellent energy storage options that don’t hurt the environment. The electric vehicle charging station may be placed in public places like sidewalks, parking lots, shopping centers, hospitals, and schools. Long-term, using it saves a considerable amount of land (occupation of gas stations) and is significantly more convenient than filling up gasoline vehicles. 

Discussion section: 

 The move towards electric vehicles is a necessary step in the fight against climate change. With the adoption of climate policies, automakers are producing more hybrid, full hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and battery electric vehicles. However, there are still concerns about the environmental impact of the batteries used in electric vehicles, particularly in terms of their disposal and recycling. Recycling lithium-ion batteries is a pressing issue that needs to be addressed to ensure the sustainability of the electric vehicle industry. 

While the idea of electric vehicles is appealing, it is also important to consider their long-term effects on the environment. The breakdown and disposal of electric vehicle batteries need to be addressed to avoid any negative impacts on the environment. The secondary reuse of spent batteries is an important recycling method that needs to be studied at a higher level to develop a sustainable solution. 

Hybrid vehicles, which use both electricity and fossil fuels, are a great middle ground for people who are slowly accepting the idea of an electric future. These vehicles help reduce emissions and allow drivers to switch between electricity and fossil fuels, reducing their reliance on one source of power. 

Studies in the 1990s on the effects of EVs on air quality and the environment highlighted concerns about the extra emissions caused by expanded battery manufacture. It is important to focus on the larger system when analyzing the impact of electric vehicles on the environment, as individual mechanisms and repercussions can have far-reaching effects. The financial attributes of owning and operating an electric vehicle should also be considered, as the high purchase price can have a negative impact on its utility. 

People may live in a healthy and fresh atmosphere by using electric automobiles, which can also enhance the air quality and people’s living conditions. You may compare the use of gasoline cars to the exhausts they produce, which are particularly harmful to the environment and likely to harm our lungs. As a result, switching to electric cars is the healthiest option for individuals and the environment. People only came to the conclusion that electric cars are environmentally friendly after first-hand experience. This is because studies on gasoline car exhaust found that the ozone and particulate matter that are released from the exhaust can all contribute to various health issues like asthma, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis. 

According to statistical analysis, electric vehicles have substantially lower overall consumption costs than gasoline vehicles. For instance, timely maintenance is required for electric vehicles, including the replacement of brake fluid and oil. Electric vehicles employ fewer parts and do not need oil changes, despite the fact that they are also consumable. Electric vehicles generally reduce consumer usage and eliminate the need for extra parts. 

 
Conclusion:  

In conclusion, electric vehicles are becoming increasingly important as we strive to combat climate change and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. However, there are still issues that need to be addressed, such as the recycling and disposal of lithium-ion batteries. It is crucial that we continue to study and improve the sustainability of electric vehicles, particularly through the secondary reuse of spent batteries. Although the environmental impact of electric vehicles must be considered in the long run, they are tempting. For those who are only slowly coming around to the idea of an electric future, hybrid vehicles, which use both electricity and fossil fuels, are a fantastic middle ground. Studies conducted in the 1990s brought attention to worries about excess emissions brought on by increased battery production. When examining how electric vehicles affect the environment, it is crucial to keep in mind that particular mechanisms and consequences might have significant implications. While the development of more hybrid vehicles is a promising middle ground, we must also acknowledge the potential negative impacts of electric vehicles on the environment and take steps to mitigate them. With continued research and development, electric vehicles can play a crucial role in creating a cleaner, more sustainable future. People may live in a healthy and fresh atmosphere by using electric automobiles, which can also enhance the air quality and people’s living conditions. You may compare the use of gasoline cars to the exhausts they produce, which are particularly harmful to the environment and likely to harm our lungs. As a result, switching to electric cars is the healthiest option for individuals and the environment. People only came to the conclusion that electric cars are environmentally friendly after first-hand experience. This is because studies on gasoline car exhaust found that the ozone and particulate matter that are released from the exhaust can all contribute to various health issues like asthma, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis. 

   Work cited  

Hawkins, T. R., Gausen, O. M., & Strømman, A. H. (2012). Environmental impacts of hybrid and electric vehicles-A review – The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment. Retrieved from https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11367-012-0440-9  

(N.d.). Retrieved from https://pure.tudelft.nl/ws/files/18496193/Consumer_preferences_for_electric_vehicles_a_literature_review.pdf  

Author links open overlay panelLei Wang a b, a, b, c, d, AbstractDriven by the global campaign against climate change, … Andwari, A. M. (2020). Optimal design of Electric Vehicle Battery Recycling Network – from the perspective of electric vehicle manufacturers. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0306261920308400  

April 12, 2019.  | Julianne Beck and Amanda Morris. (2023). Electric vehicle adoption improves air quality and Climate Outlook. Retrieved from https://news.northwestern.edu/stories/2019/04/electric-vehicle-adoption-improves-air-quality-and-climate-outlook/#:~:text=One%20technologically%20available%20solution%20is%20to%20electrify%20our,of%20reducing%20air%20pollutants%2C%20thereby%20improving%20public%20health.%E2%80%9D  

Penney, V. (2021). Electric cars are better for the planet – and often your budget, too. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2021/01/15/climate/electric-car-cost.html