In the relentless search to mitigate the environmental impact of our mobility, electric cars have positioned themselves as the modern panacea. They present it as the definitive solution for a cleaner and more sustainable future. However, when carefully analyzing this panorama, an inevitable question arises: are they really the definitive solution for the future?
Member States of the European Union accepted the European Commission’s proposal to ban the sale of new internal combustion vehicles by 2035. However, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the world could face a lithium shortage very soon. . In its recent report on the global outlook for critical minerals, it warns that the announced mining projects cover only 50% of lithium needs by 2035.
On the other hand, the IEA estimates that 2 billion electric vehicles are needed to achieve “zero emissions.” In an article published in August 2022 by the Davos Forum, reference is also made to the challenges faced by lithium production to manufacture the necessary batteries to achieve the objectives of sustainable development.
However, there are serious questions about the ability of many countries to have the necessary infrastructure to have a completely electric vehicle fleet. In many cases the problem is deeper: the generation of this surplus could be even more polluting than the combustion of vehicles.
Without a doubt, technological advances in the automotive industry and the energy transition present new challenges. Even though there are countries that still do not have an electromobility law that promotes incentives to scale the production of electric vehicles -as is the case of Argentina-, more and more companies and industrial sectors are innovating to offer positive contributions to the society.
Many companies work to offer energy solutions that drive development in a responsible manner. In this way, we are creating new opportunities that contribute to a balanced transition.
Electric vehicle fluids are now available through solutions developed in partnership with key industries, actively contributing to overcoming global energy challenges as we all aim to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
To contribute to an environmentally friendly future, it is key that more and more R&D investments are allocated to the research and development of clean energy and sustainable production processes.
Marketing Manager Southern & Western Americas – PETRONAS Lubricants International
Source: Ambito
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