With E-bikes Booming, Are Their Batteries a Threat to Our Environment?
October 04 2021 – Rudy Marquez
For many years, many economies of the world have been dependent on fossil fuels as their primary source of energy. This heavy reliance on fossil fuels has had a toll on the environment. We have observed drastic changes in climatic patterns resulting from global warming, due to high levels of carbon emissions from engines running on fossil fuels. This has led to the adoption of electricity as a more environmentally friendly alternative source of energy.
We have had a boom in the number of people using E-bikes in the recent past. What makes these bikes unique is the fact that they run on an electric motor powered by lithium-ion batteries.
With this influx of E-bikes, the main question is whether or not these lithium-ion batteries can sustainably meet our energy needs.
Pros of using Lithium-ion batteries to the environment
The main advantage of using E-bikes is that it minimizes emissions of greenhouse gases. Replacing fuel-guzzling vehicles on our roads with E-bikes reduces the amount of fossil fuel consumption and this, in turn, translates to a reduction in your overall carbon footprint.
Lithium-ion batteries on E-bikes allow for the utilization of renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power. These sources of energy suffer from one major drawback; at some point, the sun has to go down and even the winds stop blowing. These batteries allow us to store the electricity generated when the wind and sun are at their peaks and make it available on demand.
Lithium-ion batteries can be recycled to save on resources and reduce the dumping of harmful waste materials into the environment.
The ability of lithium-ion batteries to be recharged makes them a cheaper alternative to fossil fuels. This allows for individuals, companies, and other players in the energy industry to channel the funds saved to environmental conservation and preservation programs.
Cons of using Lithium-Ion batteries to the environment
When it comes to the environment, the biggest concern is perhaps how the lithium extraction process is harmful to the surrounding environment. It causes contamination of the air and water sources and harms the soil. This is also the case when disposing of dead lithium-ion batteries.
The process of mining minerals used in the manufacture of lithium-ion batteries disturbs critical and previously pristine ecosystems, leaving the land derelict and ugly.
A carbon-free future is dependent on our ability to exploit environmentally friendly energy sources and shift away from the use of fossil fuels. Lithium-ion powered bikes provide us with an alternative to fossil fuels. However, this energy, as we have observed, is not entirely environmentally friendly.
If it's a question of environmental consciousness, traditional bikes remain to be the best alternative to ensure a cleaner and safer environment. Visit Loco Cycles to learn more and get yourself one today!
