Electric vehicles (EVs) have gained significant popularity in recent years as an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. While they offer several advantages, such as lower emissions and reduced fuel costs, it is essential to acknowledge the shortcomings and potential harms associated with the widespread adoption of electric vehicles. We need to explore some of the key concerns and challenges that come with the rise of EVs as it is associated with our survival.

Limited Range and Charging Infrastructure
One of the most significant shortcomings of electric vehicles is their limited range compared to traditional gasoline or diesel-powered vehicles. While advancements have been made, EVs still tend to have a lower driving range per charge. This can lead to range anxiety, which is the fear of running out of battery power before reaching a charging station. There are not much charging station. So, one can stranded on the way when the car battery gets discharged. On the other hand if fuel is exhausted in a gasoline or diesel vehicle, one can go nearby fuel station and get fuel in a canister easily. This is not possible with the EVs. Range of the EVs also significantly reduces with time as the battery loses its charging capacity over the time.

Availability and accessibility of charging stations remain a significant challenge, particularly in less densely populated areas. Without a comprehensive charging network, long-distance travel and daily commutes can become problematic, further limiting the appeal of electric vehicles.

Long Charging Times
Charging an electric vehicle is not as quick and convenient as refueling a traditional car with gasoline. Charging times can vary depending on the type of charger used, the vehicle's battery capacity, and the available power supply. While modern fast chargers can significantly reduce charging times, it can still take 30 minutes or more to charge an EV to 80% capacity.

This extended charging time can be inconvenient for drivers, especially when compared to the speedy refueling process of ICE vehicles. It may also lead to congestion at charging stations during peak hours, which could further deter potential EV users.

High Upfront Costs
Electric vehicles tend to have higher upfront purchase costs compared to their gasoline or diesel counterparts. While this cost disparity is decreasing as technology advances and economies of scale are achieved, it remains a barrier to entry for many potential EV buyers. The price of electric vehicles can be prohibitive, even with various incentives and tax credits offered in some countries.

Disruption of the Auto Industry
The rise of electric vehicles has the potential to disrupt the traditional automotive industry, leading to job displacement and economic shifts. Many jobs in the production of internal combustion engines and associated components may become obsolete, requiring retraining and adjustment for affected workers. Transitioning to EVs also poses a challenge to established business models in the oil and gas industry, which could result in economic turmoil for regions dependent on these sectors.

Resource Scarcity
The production of electric vehicles relies heavily on rare and finite resources, such as lithium and cobalt. The demand for these resources has the potential to create supply chain vulnerabilities and geopolitical tensions, as countries with abundant reserves may gain significant economic and political influence. Also, mining and extraction of such elements also increase environment degradation.

Increased Energy Demand
The widespread adoption of electric vehicles can put significant strain on the electricity grid, especially during peak charging times. This increased energy demand may require substantial upgrades to the grid infrastructure, leading to potential reliability issues and higher electricity costs for consumers. Additionally, if the electricity generation relies on fossil fuels, the environmental benefits of EVs may be partially offset by the increased demand for non-renewable energy sources. Power cuts are common phenomena in countries like India where demand of electricity increases multiple times during the peak season. So, in such a condition how can one charge one’s EVs if there is no power supply?

Environmental Concerns
Electric vehicles are often hailed as a more environmentally friendly option due to their reduced tailpipe emissions. However, there are environmental concerns associated with the production and disposal of EVs. The manufacturing process of electric vehicle batteries involves mining and refining materials like lithium, cobalt, and nickel, which have detrimental environmental impacts, including habitat destruction and water pollution. Furthermore, the disposal of lithium-ion batteries poses a significant challenge. These batteries can be toxic and difficult to recycle properly, potentially leading to environmental contamination and hazardous waste issues if not handled correctly.

Shifting to EVs raises questions about the source of the electricity used for charging and its environmental impact. If the electricity comes from coal or other fossil fuels, the emissions from power plants offset the environmental benefits of EVs. It is crucial to prioritize renewable energy sources for charging infrastructure to maximize the positive environmental impact of electric vehicles. If we are making our cities pollution free but are increasing pollution on some other places, then EVs become a bigger problem.

So, the biggest problems associated with the EVs are environmental degradation. They can help us to save environment if we use renewable energy sources for charging EVs and find out the way to mitigate the hazards associated with the batteries. While technological advancements are continuously improving the electric vehicle landscape, policymakers, industry stakeholders, and consumers must work together to mitigate these challenges and ensure a sustainable transition to electric mobility. We can get temporary solutions. But, in my opinion EVs are not the ultimate solution. We have to find out other methods like fuel cell technology, solar power driven vehicles etc. as an alternative to EVs.

Thank you!