Go Green...How Sustainable Are Electric Vehicles?

Globally, the number of electric vehicles and hybrids on the road has never been higher and that amount is climbing, hitting a record high last year. The world is on a mission to eradicate fossil fuels, while governments and the public alike are looking to electric vehicles to help solve the issue at hand. But there are those who question how environmentally friendly electric vehicles really are. For example, many people comment that the process of manufacturing electric batteries uses energy taken from the electric grid, which in turn can be powered by fossil fuels. There is also the issue of how much energy is required to build an electric vehicle compared to a gas-powered car.

So the question is: how green are electric vehicles?

Experts agree that electric vehicles can create a smaller carbon footprint than cars, SUVs, and trucks that use traditional, internal combustion engines powered by gas or diesel fuel. Studies have also shown that driving an electric car is much better for the environment than driving a gasoline-powered vehicle. However, when it comes to elective vehicle (EV) battery production, one downside is that producing batteries does require a lot of energy, and also generates greenhouse gas emissions. Over time, however, the energy costs associated with electric vehicles are greatly reduced because the electric vehicle leaves little to no carbon footprint after production. Another silver lining is that innovative companies like ELVY, which manufactures the SARIT, are doing some pioneering research into greener battery production.

ELVY was established by Frank Stronach, founder of Magna International Inc., one of the world’s largest and most technologically innovative automotive parts suppliers. As head of Magna for so many years, he and his team were constantly looking for more sustainable manufacturing that is still at the core of his newest product venture – the SARIT. But it will take time for people like Frank Stronach and other innovators to figure out a better way to mine and manufacture greener batteries for EV’s.

“We use a lot of non-renewable resources. If we add up all the gasoline being used every day from Tokyo to Rio, from Beijing to London, Rome, Los Angeles, and New York, it’s like the Hudson River flowing into the ocean. You don’t have to be a scientist to know that the fuel will run out sooner rather than later.” - Frank Stronach‍

Sustainability and safety are the driving forces behind the development of the ELVY SARIT, which the company plans to manufacture and assemble in a 60,000-square-foot production facility north of Toronto.

The SARIT is a micro-electric vehicle that is three feet wide and six feet long and which can be safely driven in a bike lane. Because of its compact size, it is ideal for city drivers or people who need to get to trains, subways and bus stations in large urban areas. The SARIT has the ability to travel 100 km on a single overnight or day charge and can be plugged into a standard wall plug.

New EV manufacturers like Tesla and NIO are trying to entice drivers to buy sustainable vehicles. But it is companies like SARIT that are changing the electric vehicle game – particularly when it comes to developing new modes of transportation for people who live in urban environments.

In the future Mr. Stronach wants ELVY to be in production in the U.S and by keeping things closer to home the better it is for both the economy and the environment. China currently dominates the EV battery production world.  These production facilities are older and create huge emissions.  Even with EV’s creating a lower carbon footprint over their lifetime the whole “how it's made” vibe gives electric vehicles a seriously bad rap. But, with Innovation comes a change for the better.

New EV manufacturers like Tesla and NIO are trying to entice drivers to buy sustainable vehicles. But it is companies like SARIT that are changing the electric vehicle game – particularly when it comes to developing new modes of transportation for people who live in urban environments.