EV popularity may trigger greenwashing

- Advertisement -

GLOBALLY, electric vehicles (EVs) have gained significant attention in recent years–the latest edition of International Energy Agency (IEA) annual Global Electric Vehicle Outlook reports that more than 10 million electric cars were sold worldwide in 2022. This year that number is expected to grow by another 35 to reach 14 million. Some 29 million EVs are now on the streets mostly in China, North America and Europe.

EVs are seen to be a promising solution to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change. The ultimate goal is to replace the traditional fossil-fuel burning internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles with battery powered one, preferably charged using renewable energy. ICE may remain for other hybrids or while hydrogen fuel cells like those being created and tested by Toyota will also become mainstay.

EVs have been proven to be as a more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative over ICE vehicles. However, cloud of doubt hangs over EVs–especially mass produced, small EVs that don’t have a clear lifecycle plan and may be into greenwashing their products or services.

- Advertisement -

Greenwashing refers to the practice of making misleading or unsubstantiated claims about the environmental benefits of a product, service, or company. Greenwashing occurs when companies market their EVs as eco-friendly without taking into account the entire lifecycle of the vehicle or considering the environmental impact of their production and disposal processes.

Greenwashing needs to be addressed, especially in the light of the massive number of electric cars, trikes, bikes and motorcycles that are coming into the Philippines now. The current lack of regulations that goes beyond Department of Trade and Industry product standards does not free the public from greenwashing. These standards should include passenger safety as a vehicle being driven into public roads as well as

As early as 2019, environmentalist group Greenpeace called for a holistic approach to sustainability, highlighting that simply focusing on the zero tailpipe emissions of EVs is not sufficient. The organization advocates for considering the entire lifecycle of EVs, including the production, sourcing of materials, and end-of-life disposal, to assess their true environmental impact to promote genuine sustainability within the EV sector.

Greenpeace has pointed out the need for transparency and clear standards in the EV industry. It has called for regulatory measures to ensure companies uphold responsible practices and avoid misleading claims about the environmental benefits of their products.

One common example of greenwashing in the electric vehicle industry is the focus solely on zero tailpipe emissions, neglecting other significant aspects. While it is true that EVs produce zero emissions during operation, the source of electricity used to charge these vehicles plays a crucial role in determining their overall environmental impact. If the electricity is generated from fossil fuels, such as coal or natural gas, the emissions are simply shifted from the tailpipe to the power plant.

Another aspect often overlooked in greenwashing is the extraction and manufacturing of raw materials required for EV batteries. The production of lithium-ion batteries involves mining activities that can have adverse environmental and social consequences, including habitat destruction, water pollution, and human rights violations. Disposing of spent batteries is also a concern, as their recycling infrastructure is still developing and improper disposal can lead to hazardous waste.

Furthermore, greenwashing can occur when companies advertise the environmental benefits of their electric vehicles while continuing to produce and promote conventional vehicles with internal combustion engines. This practice undermines the true sustainability potential of EVs and perpetuates a business-as-usual approach to transportation.

To address greenwashing in the electric vehicle industry, transparency and clear standards are essential as Greenpeace pointed out.

Governments and regulatory bodies can play a crucial role in setting and enforcing environmental standards for EV production, ensuring that companies adhere to responsible and sustainable practices throughout the entire lifecycle of their products.

The Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA) or R.A. 11697 has clear provisions for the related support infrastructure for the recycling, disposal, and handling of used batteries and wastes. This includes the creation of the Energy Virtual One Stop Shop (EVOSS) system. The IRR was published last September 6 last year and took effect on September 20.

Consumer awareness and education are also key to empowering individuals to make informed choices and demand genuine sustainability from companies.

Whole countries can go into greenwashing too–promoting EVs without plans for renewable energy and continued dependence on fossil fuels.

For example, first world countries like the United States and those in Europe have been making significant progress in renewable energy adoption. Here brands like Tesla, VW and BYD have been making substantial headway in terms of sustainability. Both regions have seen substantial growth in wind and solar power generation, which can contribute to a greener charging infrastructure for EVs. However, the specific mix of energy sources still varies. Currently, nuclear power provides roughly 10 percent of the world’s electricity, while fossil fuels produce roughly 80 percent.

In high volume EV countries like India, China which have significant reliance on coal for electricity generation, the use of EVs, though contributing directly to the reduction of air pollution, may be challenged in the medium to long term in decarbonizing the charging process. The same might hold true for the Philippines. For these countries, expand their electricity generation capacity also opens the opportunity to prioritize renewable energy sources to power EVs.

It is important to note that while greenwashing exists, the adoption of electric vehicles still offers significant benefits compared to conventional vehicles. EVs can help reduce local air pollution, decrease dependence on fossil fuels, and contribute to a more sustainable transportation system when powered by renewable energy sources.

Author

- Advertisement -

Share post: