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A recently released report titled ‘Achieving Zero Emissions with More Mobility and Less Mining,’ authored by the Climate + Community Project, has shed light on the hurdles associated with the transition to zero emissions and the detrimental effects of lithium mining on the environment.

  • new study reveals lithium mining has negative impact on the environment. 
  • latest findings explained that brine extraction as one of the most environmentally harmful. 

The study emphasizes that electric vehicles (EVs) have led to a surge in lithium mining activities. Although lithium is not a finite resource, similar to fossil fuels, the report reveals that only approximately 25% of the estimated 88 million tonnes of lithium on Earth is viable for extraction. 

To comprehend the lithium consumption scale, consider that a Tesla Plaid S, equipped with a 100kWh battery pack, utilises around 62kg of lithium, equivalent to 7,920 cylindrical 18650 batteries.

This relentless pursuit of lithium for EVs has been deemed unsustainable, as replacing every internal combustion vehicle with an electric counterpart would necessitate an alarming level of mining, devastating the environment.

Among the various methods of lithium extraction, the report highlights brine extraction as one of the most environmentally harmful. The process involves pumping salt-rich water from the ground into evaporation pools, where lithium gradually accumulates as the water evaporates. 

Unfortunately, this technique leaves behind toxic chemicals that can seep into watercourses, contaminate soil, and even become airborne, posing health risks to local communities.

The Ganzizhou Rongda Lithium mine in Tibet serves as a stark example of the adverse consequences of brine extraction. The mine has been blamed for poisoning the nearby Liqi River, resulting in the death of fish and livestock that rely on its waters.

The study’s findings underline the urgent need to address the environmental implications associated with the lithium mining boom driven by the electric vehicle industry. It calls for sustainable solutions that mitigate the negative impacts of resource extraction while still achieving zero emissions targets.

That said, the motorcycle industry, has the potential to contribute to these efforts by exploring alternative energy sources and reducing reliance on lithium-based technologies.

EP Manufacturing Bhd (EPMB) received approval from the government to assemble and manufacture electric motorcycles in its upcoming manufacturing plant in Glenmarie, Shah Alam.

  • EPMB plans to manufacture 50,000 electric two-wheelers per year.
  • EPMB will assemble and distribute the Blueshark-branded EVs in the country. 

EPMB, in a statement, said that the firm had received approval from the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) to produce Blueshark-branded electric two-wheelers in the country. 

That said, the approval will only apply retrospectively from July 25, 2022. 

Nevertheless, EPMB plans to roll out around 50,000 units of Blueshark per year to meet regional demands.

“We expect to commence the construction of the manufacturing plant in early 2023 and target to complete it by Q3 2023.

“The manufacturing facility will not only be technologically-advanced but will also employ at least 80% of Malaysians in the workforce and train them via transfer of skills and technology,” said EPMB Executive Chairman Hamidon Abdullah.

Previously, EPMB has partnered with China-based Sharkgulf Technologies Group Ltd to assemble, manufacture and distribute Blueshark’s electric motorcycles in Malaysia and other neighbouring countries.

(Source: The Edge Markets)

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  • PETRONAS Lubricants International (PLI) organised the inaugural Electric Vehicle Fluids Symposium in Turin, Italy recently.

  • The symposium discussed several issues including the sustainability of e-mobility and climate “challenge.”

  • Electric vehicles (including motorcycles) do require lubrication in several crucial areas.

PETRONAS Lubricants International (PLI) organised the inaugural Electric Vehicle Fluids Symposium in Turin, Italy recently.

Perhaps many are unaware, but electric vehicle motors and batteries do require lubrication, especially since the motor can speed up to 15,000 RPM. Hence, lubrication is crucial for cooling the motor, as well as in several areas such as the gear reducer (electric vehicle’s transmission).

These fluids have specific properties compared to the usual engine oil since they are subjected to high voltages and temperatures in places such as the coils. The fluid must protect them from corrosion and prevent short circuits.

Held at their Global Research and Technology (R&T) Centre, the one-day event saw the attendance of more than 120 participants consisting of industry-leading experts from across the world. The participants discussed and featured EV innovations to support a cleaner, energy-efficient and more sustainable e-mobility future. It was also a platform for these experts to share future EV technology trends, respective market relevance and the role of fluids in the evolution of e-transmission and battery technologies.

Additionally, the event aimed to encourage discussions on managing the climate challenge through EV technological developments and operational discipline.

Giuseppe D’Arrigo, PLI CEO & MD

“At PLI, we’ve pledged to double our investments and dedicate 75 per cent of our R&T expenditure in projects that contribute to reducing CO2 emissions. PLI’s venture into the EV market that was announced earlier this year through PETRONAS iona range of e-fluids reinforces our commitment to the development and deployment of fluid technology. The EV Fluids Symposium is our next initiative to work together, deliberate possibilities and set a shared agenda towards a cleaner future,” said PLI Managing Director and Group Chief Executive Officer, Giuseppe D’Arrigo.

During the symposium, PLI also shared the findings of the industry’s first global study in EV Technology and Fluids focusing on Electric Drive Units and Batteries. The study, carried out in collaboration with FEV Consulting, concluded that innovation is crucial in advancing EV performance and durability, and continued improvement is needed to promote increased adoption rates of electric transportation by consumers.

Commenting on the state of the industry, Electric Vehicle Outlook Founder & Event Host, Roger Atkins said, “Change is a challenge, and with the rapid integration of electric vehicles into the global mobility eco-system, that challenge is being met with unprecedented and active collaboration between OEMs, academia, and the world’s smartest engineering teams. I am encouraged to see the focus and ambition here at the EV Fluids Symposium. The twin imperatives of climate change and air quality can only be tackled by truly maximising the efficiency of our planet’s mobility machines, amongst others.”

Dato’ Sri Syed Zainal, Vice President DOWNSTREAM Marketing PETRONAS and Chairman of PLI

At the PETRONAS Global R&T Centre, attendees enjoyed the opportunity to tour the productdevelopment laboratory and mechanical testing facilities to understand the experimental work that goes into developing PETRONAS e-fluids.

Since the introduction of PETRONAS Carbon Commitments in 2012, the company has decreased its monitored carbon footprint by 13% from 2017, which is a cumulative 12 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions reduction. PETRONAS is also collaborating with Daimler Automotive in green projects towards low-carbon fuel and vehicle emissions control.

More recently, PETRONAS’ efforts towards a sustainable future included the establishment of PETRONAS Carbon Commitments Guidelines and a New Energy unit to enhance capabilities in the renewables sphere.

Source and photographs: PETRONAS Lubricants International (PLI)

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