Impact of Transformation of IC Automobile Engines to EV Lithium Batteries and then to Hydrogen Technology based Automobiles on Global Environment

Abstract

Electric vehicles (EVs) powered by lithium-ion batteries are replacing conventional internal combustion (IC) engine vehicles powered by fossil fuels in the global transportation sector, which is undergoing a significant technological transition. Eventually, hydrogen-based fuel cell vehicles will replace EVs. A key tactic for addressing climate change, cutting air pollution, and advancing sustainable energy systems is this shift. Due to their heavy reliance on petroleum fuels, internal combustion engines (IC engines) are a major source of greenhouse gas emissions, urban air pollution, and environmental degradation through particulate matter, nitrogen oxides (NOₓ), and carbon dioxide (CO₂). Global warming and public health issues have escalated due to the combined environmental impact of fossil fuel extraction, refinement, and burning.

Using EVs with lithium-ion batteries can significantly lower tailpipe emissions and enhance the quality of the air in cities. EVs can significantly reduce lifecycle carbon emissions when used in conjunction with renewable energy sources to generate electricity. However, there are still environmental issues with lithium mining, cobalt extraction, battery production, and recycling or disposal at the end of life. If resource-intensive extraction methods are not managed effectively, they may result in ecological imbalance, water contamination, and land degradation. Therefore, to optimize environmental benefits, advancements in battery recycling technology and circular economy techniques are crucial.

The newest development in clean transportation is represented by hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, or FCVs. Like EVs, hydrogen-powered cars have no tailpipe emissions and only release water vapor when in use. The total carbon footprint can be greatly reduced when hydrogen is created using environmentally friendly techniques like electrolysis powered by renewable energy. However, there are technical, financial, and environmental obstacles to large-scale hydrogen production, storage, and infrastructure development. Whether hydrogen is produced from fossil fuels or renewable resources has a significant influence on the environment (gray hydrogen).

All things considered, the shift from internal combustion engines to electric vehicles and ultimately to hydrogen-powered vehicles offers a solution to reduce transportation's carbon footprint and meet global climate goals. Although there are progressive environmental benefits at each level, ensuring that this transformation produces long-term ecological and socioeconomic benefits requires the combination of renewable energy, sustainable material procurement, technical innovation, and regulatory assistance.