Rethinking EV Sustainability: The Hidden Challenges of Energy Provision, Grid Constraints, and the Costs of it's future!

Rethinking EV Sustainability: The Hidden Challenges of Energy Provision, Grid Constraints, and the Costs of it's future!

Electric Vehicles (EVs) are the forefront of sustainability, climate change and are the future of this world...or so we thought!

With the progression of EVs, the technology of the cars, the endorsement by governing bodies and the incentives for going green - the uptake has been incredible! But there are significant challenges arising which are causing a huge burden to the future of Electric Vehicles and the infrastructure behind them. These include:

  • Carbon Footprint of Electricity Generation
  • Strain on Electrical Grid Infrastructure
  • The Cost of Charging Infrastructure Expansion

Lets take a dive into each of these areas...

"Everything is energy and that's all there is to it." - Albert Einstein


Pixabay Stock Image - Carsharing Electric Car

Carbon Footprint of Electricity Generation

As we know, EVs are supposed to reduce the Carbon Emissions to the Earth's atmosphere. Which they certainly do compared to their counterparts! However, the majority of the energy used to charge these vehicles is take from Fossil Fuels - especially in the majority of areas with a huge uptake of EVs, there is considerably more burning of fossil fuels to generate the energy.

This is complete counterproductive to why EVs were brought in!

Again, a lot of Charging stations are popping up to keep the supply up with the demand for energy for EVs - adding to the burning of fossil fuels issue in creating and running these stations.


On the other side to this debate, a lot of charging stations are obviously pro renewable energy and sustainability and are trying their best to embrace renewable energy sources. Though with the growth of the industry being so rapid, it makes it really challenging!


Strain on Electrical Grid Infrastructure

The Grid Infrastructure as we know it is completely archaic! It's old, outdated and will really struggle to keep up with the demands of the World's energy, let alone the increase due to EVs!

This is obviously going to drive the price of energy up, as demand will go through the roof for the finite resource, and pressures on the grid are going to drive it to it's maximum.

The other question is...what happens when the Grid is at it's max? What happens next?

Clearly this will be an issue with the current trend, meaning it'll lead to emergency measures. These could be things like energy switch offs (blackouts) or restrictions on energy use.

This will not only be prevalent in the major cities across the world, but even other areas can start getting heavily effected!


Again, on the other side to this, there is a huge uptake on providing infrastructure to Renewable Energy. In the UK, it is still a struggle to find the perfect solution, especially with the limited space in the country. But there are many companies trying and individual residencies are trying their very best to add to the solution.


The Cost of Charging Infrastructure Expansion

Currently, there is a shortage of accessible charging solutions for EV drivers. This is the same for the commercial sector too! Charging stations are so few and far between due to the rapid uptake of EVs and how long it takes for EV Charging stations to build in compared to the manufacturing of a electric vehicle.

Companies are trying their very best to provide more charging stations, and have a high percentage of EV Chargers actually working! Another topic for another time!

These companies investing a lot of money to get these charging stations working, with a reported cost of £1m to connect to the grid to use the energy! Again, this price leaves only selected larger companies available o install charging stations!

It also takes a lot of time to build new structures...the finding the land, the buying process, the planning permission, the designing the technology, the building the station and then training staff to operate safely. It's an incredibly long process! Not to mention the maintenance and upkeep of the charging station!


Again, on the other side to this...there are currently a lot of funds & grants available to help those investing in charging stations to encourage more growth. The growth in EV charging stations and the renewable energy sources is also benefiting local communities and these advancements are really helping meet sustainability targets (not that life is all about targets!)


Pixaby Stock Image - Electricity Pylons

So what is the answer to all the issues that Electric Vehicles are bringing?

How are we going to keep the growth of a green energy solution to the world and prevent the negative climate change trend we are currently on?

How can we advance the grid energy systems across the world to embrace and keep up with the ever growing demand?


What can we do as a society to help provide a cleaner and more sustainable environment?

How can we engage and have our say in energy policy, grid investment, and sustainable practices in EV production?

How can we be advocates for a sustainable future and provide an opportunity for our future generations?


The time is really now to take that action! What you do is down to you! But it is definitely time to take notice and have your say!

"We must accept the end of something, in order to begin something new."

#RenewableEnergy #Sustainability #CleanEnergy #Energy #ElectricVehicles


Utili-TREES: Revolutionising Renewable Energy Solutions

Utili-TREES represents a groundbreaking renewable energy system that integrates solar, wind, and geothermal technologies into a single, modular framework. Designed to optimise land use and ensure sustainable power generation, Utili-TREES is more than just a solution; it's a commitment to transforming energy landscapes.

Home (utili-trees.com)

enquiries@Utili-TREES.com

Ian Bluck

Making your money work for YOU | Holding your hand to invest in your future with property | An additional stream of income that can set you up for life |

2mo

Definitely a lot of work yet to be done around EVs

Like
Reply
Rich Wharton

Renewable Energy 🌱 EV Enthusiast ⚡️🏎️ Public Speaker 🎤

2mo
Rik B.

Hospitality & Tourism Manager, originally from New Zealand, now living in the UK.

2mo

Really like my Nissan Leaf… but range anxiety is definitely a “real thing” 🤣

Sam Bowen

Helping Businesses Convert Social Media into Sales | A Personalised, Team-Based Approach to Digital Marketing Success

2mo

Not an EV owner but feel that my next car most likely will be. My only concern is range, and I know this will only get better

To view or add a comment, sign in

More articles by Rich Wharton

Insights from the community

Explore topics