Dear Friends and Students
We all think Electric Vehicles
are Green! Over 26 million electric cars were on the road in 2022, up
60% relative to 2021 and more than 5 times the stock in 2018. There is a
prediction that EVs will be 350 million vehicles by 2030
(Iea.org). This is great news! It appears we are heading towards Zero Carbon!
However, contrary to this, are we heading towards a “Lithium-Pure,
Carbon-Free situation”!!
It reminds me of a story. In a village grappling with a rat infestation, they introduced cats as a feline solution. However, as the feline (cats) population grew, it became a new challenge, leaving the community entangled in unintended consequences. The initially applauded this solution turned into a mystery, bringing unforeseen disruptions to village life. The increase in cats led to a decline in the local bird population, disrupting the ecological balance. Cats, in their pursuit of rats, trampled gardens and flowerbeds, causing damage to residents' properties.
However, after reading a couple of articles, I am under the impression that Is EV another feline solution.
Discarded batteries, if not properly managed, could release toxic materials into the environment. Today the intricate design of current battery packs is complex to disassemble which is a hazardous task. Recycling centers are grappling with the risk of short-circuits, combustion, and toxic fumes. Today, recycling techniques, like pyrometallurgy and hydrometallurgy, aiming to recover valuable metals from discarded batteries is not as straightforward as they had hoped. Still, we don’t have a right solution but we are producing more and more EV batteries (www.science.org/content/article/millions-electric-cars-are-coming-what-happens-all-dead-batteries)!!
In this context, on a lighter note, I want to give a Sci-Fi movie idea to Christopher Nolan!
Movie Title: EcoQuake: Sparks in the Silent Street
Narrative: In the thriving cityscape of Electropolis, Lumina EV Company's cutting-edge electric vehicles face a mounting environmental crisis with their sophisticated batteries nearing the end of their life. The once-celebrated icons of sustainability now cast a shadow of anxiety over the city as discarded batteries pose an imminent threat. Enter Lucas Rodriguez, an impassioned environmental scientist, and Dr. Elena Harper, a determined materials scientist, racing against time to devise a safe recycling solution.
Amidst the rising anxiety, news of a battery pack short-circuiting in their lab amplifies the urgency, forcing Lucas and Dr. Harper to confront not only the technical hurdles of recycling but also the moral dilemma of prioritizing environmental responsibility over economic feasibility. As Lumina EV Company grapples with internal discord and the city teeters on the brink of an environmental catastrophe, this high-stakes drama unfolds as a narrative of determination, ethical quandaries, and the anxiety-driven pursuit of a solution that could redefine the future of clean energy in Electropolis.
Do You see this movie as Sci-Fi (Science Fiction) or Re-Ti (Real-Time)? Your comments!!
Ravi Saripalle
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