Evaluating the Sustainability of Electric Vehicles
Abstract
Fuel-based vehicles emit harmful pollutants, in that regard, electric vehicles (EVs) could be a viable sustainable solution. This study investigates the impact of shifting to electric vehicles on air quality in five counties in Florida encompassing major cities namely: Miami-Dade, Duval, Hillsborough, Orange, and Leon from 2018 to 2022. Utilizing the US EPA’s MOVES software, five criteria air pollutants are investigated namely: carbon-monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and fine and coarse particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) in addition to carbon dioxide greenhouse. This study utilizes the Triple Top Line sustainable model, to address the three pillars of sustainability (i.e., planet, society, and the economy), aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). A stakeholder analysis will be conducted. Results showed a decline in fuel vehicles by 0.33% and an increase in EVs by 2.20% in 2022 compared to 2018, resulting in significant emission reductions of 20.87%, 43.81%, 43.12%, and 12.60% for CO, NO2, PM2.5, and PM10, respectively. This work underscores the role of mitigation strategies and pollution prevention in carbon footprint reduction and delaying Earth Overshoot Day, thus providing economic and human health implications.
Evaluating the Sustainability of Electric Vehicles
Fuel-based vehicles emit harmful pollutants, in that regard, electric vehicles (EVs) could be a viable sustainable solution. This study investigates the impact of shifting to electric vehicles on air quality in five counties in Florida encompassing major cities namely: Miami-Dade, Duval, Hillsborough, Orange, and Leon from 2018 to 2022. Utilizing the US EPA’s MOVES software, five criteria air pollutants are investigated namely: carbon-monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and fine and coarse particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) in addition to carbon dioxide greenhouse. This study utilizes the Triple Top Line sustainable model, to address the three pillars of sustainability (i.e., planet, society, and the economy), aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). A stakeholder analysis will be conducted. Results showed a decline in fuel vehicles by 0.33% and an increase in EVs by 2.20% in 2022 compared to 2018, resulting in significant emission reductions of 20.87%, 43.81%, 43.12%, and 12.60% for CO, NO2, PM2.5, and PM10, respectively. This work underscores the role of mitigation strategies and pollution prevention in carbon footprint reduction and delaying Earth Overshoot Day, thus providing economic and human health implications.