In this Sustainable Cities and Society paper, we (w/ Niklas Tilly, Kenan Degirmenci, Alexander Paz) investigated #ElectricVehicle (#EV) adoption through the lens of the #CriticalTheoryOfTechnology.
Here’s what we found:
Beyond Technological Benefits: While EVs bring clear environmental benefits, such as reducing emissions and noise pollution, they also introduce unintended negative impacts. These include high resource demands, increased energy use, and potential equity issues, suggesting that broader strategies beyond technological adoption are needed to ensure sustainability.
Equity in Infrastructure is Essential: EV charging infrastructure often favours high-income areas, leaving lower-income and marginalised communities underserved. Ensuring that charging stations are equitably distributed and that EVs remain affordable is crucial for achieving a socially just and inclusive green transition.
Environmental Costs of EV Production: EV manufacturing, particularly battery production, involves significant mineral extraction, impacting natural habitats and water resources. Sustainable waste management, recycling, and alternative material sourcing are necessary to address these environmental costs and create a sustainable supply chain.
Reconsidering Urban Mobility: EV adoption should be part of a broader shift toward shared, public, and active transportation instead of focusing on private EV ownership. Promoting alternatives like e-bike sharing, public transit electrification, and compact city design can reduce urban sprawl, congestion, and reliance on personal vehicles.
Policy and Public Awareness for Behaviour Change: Effective policies and public education are essential to drive behavior change, such as encouraging off-peak charging, investing in renewable energy, and reducing dependence on private vehicle ownership. Addressing these social and economic factors is crucial to fully realise the benefits of EVs and support a truly sustainable urban future.
These takeaways underscore that while EVs are important to sustainable urban mobility, a holistic approach incorporating equity, environmental stewardship, and community engagement is essential for true sustainability.
Read open access full-text article from the link below, also a copy is also enclosed to this post.
https://lnkd.in/gd7_ATiq
QUT (Queensland University of Technology)
QUT Engineering, Architecture and Built Environment
QUT Urban AI Hub
