I saw, but didn't save the link, of an article that claimed rare earth mining does more damage to the environment that any benefit gained from phasing out ICE's. May have been just one person's opinion but nonetheless it sure isn't clear cut that EV's are our salvation by any means. Regardless of the spouting of the Musk evangelists.
I've read such claims but they're often lacking in content so I conclude they are just FUD; not that there's no impact, just the balance being harmful reads disingenuous. Toyota's study on spreading the elements around more hybrids as opposed to high range EVs being less impactful carbon wise does read accurate. Perhaps the paper you cite meant keeping existing ICE vehicles on the road as opposed to making new vehicles?
No. Mining of rare earths and the fact that electricity production, currently, still requires main sources of energy from coal and natty gas. So what has changed really?
Keep in mind this is 2021. Efficiencies for battery manufacturing and energy density have increased quite a bit. There's less lithium per cell, cobalt's being phased out in many applications and newer motors don't use rare earth magnets: https://www.reuters.com/business/au...become-cleaner-than-gasoline-cars-2021-06-29/
Yes but ever greater units produced, even if somewhat more efficiently, still means more resources needed. And more electricity needed so unless this is generated from renewables vast quantities of carbon are still being released.
A steel chassis is a steel chassis so no matter where that energy comes from, it's a wash. Yes there's a bigger impact on making batteries than pouring an engine block but basically all wheels to well studies points to a carbon drop after a few miles of ownership. No one's contending EVs are carbon neutral or carbon negative, though efforts are being made at least factory side to use more renewable energy.
In the German automotive manufacturing region you'll find that regulators, unions, managers, and whatever special interest non profits are literally interrelated. I've said from the start of that crazy decision to build in Germany that each will in turn hinder Tesla's plans to move forward until Musk agrees to let IG Metall in. They have, and will continue to do so until then.
yeah well, the article cited shows no evidence to support your mob union conspiracy against dear leader Elon.
After the video, I just skimmed responses. Elon blew it big time with Twitter. He could have cornered the small auto market in the US!! But alas, he chose elsewhere. The Model 3 is like the Honda Civic/Accord of the 1990's-the present. A great product that just needs to be tweaked a bit!! That's it... Tesla makes two GREAT things...The Model 3 and the powerwall. What Tesla needs are service centers, trained (huge amount) technicians, and a steady parts network!! That is it... What does Ford have...Huge service network, huge amount of technicians and a parts network. But Ford doesn't have a product (car) that people want/need (chips). It's funny, if it wasn't for the auto union, it would make sense for them to combine (Tesla and Ford) their networks. I am wondering if some minor auto maker (Volvo or a Korean company) goes bankrupt and Tesla buys their network of service centers. They could have done it with Sear or J C Penny stores. In a couple of years all those people who bought Tesla cars will throw up their hands and look elsewhere for their next car. They get into a fender bender with no place to get repairs. Yeah, I read about GM doing some service. But, that is limited. Tesla never got their parts and service side right... Will they ever??