The Global Health Implications of the Transition to CLEAN Electric Vehicles

As major auto companies have committed to shifting exclusively to electric vehicle production, and some countries have announced plans to ban conventional cars, it is important to consider the human health implications from the expected increase in mining and smelting needed to supply the growing demand for key metal inputs. Efforts to recycle lithium-ion batteries are unlikely to alleviate metal supply constraints in the short-term, but are necessary to reduce the carbon footprint, mining impacts and avoid further environmental harm. Electric vehicles may provide health benefits from reduced air pollution in urban areas.

2022-2023 Ashland University Environmental Lecture Series