Electric Vehicles And The Untold Secret, Are They Actually Worse For The Environment And More Dangerous Than Gas?

Electric vehicles (EVs) are all the rage. They are touted as a cleaner and more sustainable alternative to gasoline-powered vehicles. The United States government has passed numerous legislative actions to phase out gas powered vehicles and make sure that within the near term all vehicles are electric.

The common belief is that Electric Vehicles are more environmentally friendly and in general a safer form of energy.The dark secret: neither are true.

Currently the gold standard for all major electronic products, EV’s included, are batteries which are made of “lithium-ion”. The inventor of lithium ion himself, after receiving the nobel-prize, warned the worlds of the dangerous of the lithium-ion batteries. So what are they?

ENVIORNMENTAL IMPACT

The main environmental concern associated with lithium-ion batteries is the mining of the raw materials needed to produce them, which can have significant environmental impacts. Lithium is typically extracted from salt flats, which can disrupt local ecosystems and contaminate groundwater. Cobalt and nickel, which are also used in lithium-ion batteries, are typically mined in countries with lax environmental and labor standards, which can lead to environmental damage and human rights abuses.

The production of lithium-ion batteries also requires a significant amount of energy, which is typically generated from non-renewable sources such as coal and natural gas. This means that

‘the production of EVs can actually result in higher greenhouse gas emissions than the production of gas-powered vehicles.’

Coal and natural gas which are required to generate the power that charges lithium ion batteries are supplied through plants which in and of themselves are releasing dangerous toxic waste. In some cases Moreso that just burning good ol’ regular gasoline.

Then there is the decomposition period. How long does it take for that used lithium ion battery to decompose? 5 years? 10? The Answer : 100 or more years. Simply put for 100 years after a battery has been used up it is slowing releasing potentially toxic byproducts into the environment causing potentially more pollutants and more damage than traditional gasoline.

‘When these batteries are

no longer useful, they can

release toxic chemicals into the environment if they are not

disposed of properly.

This can lead to soil and

water pollution, as well as harm to human health’

Another major drawback of lithium-ion batteries is their limited lifespan. Over time, the performance of the battery deteriorates, and eventually, it needs to be replaced. The lifespan of a battery depends on a variety of factors, including the number of charge and discharge cycles it undergoes, the temperature at which it operates, and how it is used. For example, exposing a battery to high temperatures or overcharging it can significantly reduce its lifespan. This leads to a continuous stream of battery waste that needs to be properly disposed of or recycled. The recycling process for lithium-ion batteries is also energy-intensive and can release toxic chemicals into the environment if not done properly.

But there is more.

THE DANGERS OF LITHIUM ION BATTERIES

I am going to make a bold statement. But it is one that is true. Electric vehicles are basically a bomb on wheels, because of the lithium-ion batteries. There I said it. I am sure its not a popular statement, but a factual one nonetheless.

Lithium Ion batteries, as confirmed by its own inventor, are seriously flawed and seriously dangerous.

Lithium-ion battery fires occur due to a number of factors, including manufacturing defects, physical damage, overcharging or overheating, and exposure to high temperatures or fire. A Lithium-Ion battery is more dangerous that an open gas tank filled with gas. Not only can the smallest penetration cause them to explode, a minor overheat, or even outside temperatures being to high, the real danger comes once it catches fire. A lithium Ion battery fire releases large amounts of heat, smoke, and toxic gases, which can pose a serious risk to human health and the environment.

One of the main reasons why lithium-ion fires are so dangerous is the rapid rate at which they can release energy. When a lithium-ion battery ignites, the heat generated can cause the electrolyte to break down, releasing large amounts of oxygen and hydrogen gas. This reaction can cause the battery to rupture or explode, releasing even more heat and toxic gases.

‘Once they catch fire the real problem begins…

We have all seen race cars with fire extinguishers inside. In fact many older cars had small fire extinguishers just in case and many of us have emergency preparation kits in our trunks with a small fire extinguisher. Whether gas or powder they do not work on lithium ion fires. Rather they will make them worse. Lithium-ion fires are near impossible to extinguish. Traditional methods of fire suppression, such as water or foam, are ineffective, rather they make the fire worse. This is because these materials can cause the battery to release even more flammable gases, which can reignite and cause the fire to spread.

In general, when a lithium-ion battery catches fire, it can release large amounts of heat, smoke, and toxic gases, which can pose a serious risk to human health and the environment. The heat generated can cause the electrolyte to break down, releasing large amounts of oxygen and hydrogen gas. This reaction can cause the battery to rupture or explode, releasing even more heat and toxic gases.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has conducted tests on lithium-ion battery fires in electric vehicles and found that these fires can reach temperatures of over 1,000 degrees Celsius (1,832 degrees Fahrenheit) and burn for hours or even days. In some cases,

The duration and intensity of a lithium-ion fire depends mostly on the number of batteries in car. So how many batteries are in an average electric car?

Guess? Anyone?

Since Tesla’s are by far the most popular EV I decided to look at the Tesla models to see how many total batteries are in one car.

The Model S and Model X battery packs contain over 7,000 individual cells (batteries), while the Model 3 battery pack contains around 4,000 cells (Batteries). You read that right between 4,000 and 7,000 batteries.

The smallest of car accidents can trigger just one of the 4000-7000 batteries, a hot day, an internal leak, a nail that fell onto the highway and finds its way into the undercarriage, and once one battery goes, they all go. 1000 degree plus chemical fire that cannot be put out by any traditional method and burns for hours or days.

Furthermore, the toxic gases released by lithium-ion battery fires can pose a serious risk to human health. These gases can include carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen fluoride, which can cause respiratory problems, skin and eye irritation, and other health effects.

IF NOT GAS AND NOT LITHIUM ION THAN WHAT?

The race to find a new form of energy to replace lithium-ion is the trillion dollar race. Everything from cold-fusion to the idea of a “perpetual battery” is being worked on. The biggest names in technology are all in a race to solve this problem. Bill Gates is one of them..

Bill gates recently took a company public called QuantumScape a company who’s goal is to create a “solid-state battery”. They have raised billions of dollars of capital and currently have a market cap of $20 Billion Dollars. What have they accomplished? As of today QuantumScapes battery is more theoretical than executable.

QuantumScape's mission statement is to create a solid-state battery that use a unique architecture and proprietary materials to achieve a number of advantages over conventional lithium-ion batteries. For example, solid-state batteries are expected to have higher energy density, which means they can store more energy in the same amount of space. This could enable longer driving ranges for electric vehicles, as well as longer run times for portable electronics.

In addition, solid-state batteries are expected to be safer than lithium-ion batteries, which can be prone to thermal runaway and catching fire. Solid-state batteries are less likely to catch fire and are less likely to release toxic chemicals or gases if they do catch fire.

While an exciting prospect there has been no indication that Quantamscape has a plan to put its technology or batteries in mass production.

THE HOLLY GRAIL? GRAPHENE

Graphene is a two-dimensional material consisting of a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice. It is incredibly strong, lightweight, and conductive, making it an ideal material for a wide range of applications.

Graphene is an excellent conductor of electricity, meaning that it can facilitate faster charging and discharging times. It is also much more durable than graphite, meaning that batteries made with graphene anodes could have longer lifespans. Furthermore, graphene can store more energy than graphite, making it possible to create batteries with higher energy densities.

Another advantage of using graphene in batteries is that it is a more environmentally friendly material than the metals and other materials used in current lithium-ion batteries. Graphene is made from carbon, which is a readily available and abundant resource, whereas many of the metals used in lithium-ion batteries are scarce and expensive.

Another advantage of using graphene in batteries is that it is a more environmentally friendly material than the metals and other materials used in current lithium-ion batteries. Graphene is made from carbon, which is a readily available and abundant resource, whereas many of the metals used in lithium-ion batteries are scarce and expensive.

There are dozens of companies who are working on “Graphene Batteries”. The biggest challenge that these companies face is that Graphene only works in its purest form, that is a single layer of carbon. Many companies can make graphene in multiple lawyers, which is simply a fancy word for graphite. And while it has many uses once an additional lawyer is added its conductivity and properties that make it an attractive alternative are significantly diminished. But there is one company who has figured out how to mass produce graphene and is quickly pulling out front in the pole position, Nanotech Energy.

Nanotech Energy has been making headlines in the tech world for its game-changing work in the realm of battery production. The company's patented graphene manufacturing technology has positioned it as the exclusive owner of a key material for the creation of safer, more efficient, and faster-charging batteries. Nanotech energy holds the very first patent for graphene, which was created by one of the most recognized scientists of our time Dr Richard Kanner.

Rick Kanner patented the only known manner to chemically create graphene, which means the only way to mass produce graphene, which was the foundation of the launch of the company Nanotech energy. He created the patent in 2002, 2 years prior to the world even acknowledging graphene!

Dr. Rick Kanner is a prominent researcher and inventor in the field of nanotechnology, and he is widely known for his pioneering work in the development of graphene. Dr. Kanner is also the holder of the patent for graphene, which is a groundbreaking material that has the potential to revolutionize a wide range of industries.

Dr. Kanner's interest in graphene dates back to the 1970s, when he was studying for his PhD in solid state physics at the University of Pittsburgh. During this time, he became interested in the properties of carbon-based materials and began to explore the potential uses of graphene. Over the years, Dr. Kanner continued to study and refine his techniques for producing graphene, and he eventually developed a method for creating high-quality graphene sheets that was both scalable and cost-effective.

Dr. Kanner's groundbreaking work in the field of graphene has been recognized by his peers, and he has received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to the field of nanotechnology. In addition to his work on graphene, Dr. Kanner has also conducted research in a wide range of other areas, including superconductivity, photonics, and quantum mechanics.

Perhaps most important is that he patented the process for creating graphene in 2002, prior to the world even acknowledging the existence of graphene, and that along with dozens of other patents are held by Nanotech energy.

Nanotech Energy has been rapidly expanding its reach in the battery industry, securing close to $1 billion in contracts for its revolutionary technology from household names. The company recently purchased a 500 acre plot in Nevada and has begun construction on phase one of its new Graphene factory and rolling out the first graphene powered batteries the world has seen.

Nanotech has already rolled out 5 generations of batteries and they are currently providing batteries to some of the biggest companies in the world. Nanotech has safety tested their batteries and shown them to be non combustible and have the high safety rating one can achieve. They store more energy, charge faster, do not lose their charge ability and do not have the negative environmental impact of their lithium ion counterparts.

Nanotech energy’s main facilities are in Chico California but they have recently expanded into Nevada where they are building what is believed to be the largest graphene producing facility in the world.

The future of energy storage is set to be transformed by Nanotech Energy's revolutionary graphene-based batteries. With enhanced safety features, faster charging times, and longer-lasting performance, these batteries offer a significant advancement over conventional lithium-ion batteries. As the company moves towards mass production, the possibilities for the future of battery technology are endless.

The race to fix the lithium ion debacle is on.

According to Grand View Research, the global battery market size was valued at $77.42 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.2% from 2021 to 2028. Other reports suggest that the market size could be even larger, with some estimates projecting it to reach over $100 billion by 2025.