Energy expert Mark Mills of the Manhattan Institute recently discussed the complex realities of transitioning to electric vehicles at a recent event. While the goal of reducing carbon emissions is laudable, Mills argues that the pursuit of zero emissions may simply shift the problem elsewhere rather than solve it.
Manufacturing electric vehicles and the infrastructure to support them, such as batteries and solar panels, results in emissions from resource extraction and production. Mills notes that much of this manufacturing currently occurs in countries like China where coal is widely used. Pursuing zero emissions within California’s borders may therefore redistribute emissions globally rather than eliminate them.
Mills also questions whether a full transition is practically and economically feasible. Overnight charging of electric vehicles in neighborhoods could overload local grids, requiring upgrades to transformers and poles that would cost tens to hundreds of billions of dollars. High-powered fast charging would be even more infrastructure intensive. Mills argues these costs are not fully accounted for in policy proposals.
While engineers can build the necessary infrastructure, Mills notes constraints around resource availability and supply chains. A global transition may exceed the world’s production of materials like copper. Mills believes policy should take a more pragmatic approach that considers these complex realities and tradeoffs rather than an overly ambitious pursuit of zero emissions.
Overall, Mills’ analysis serves as a reminder that ambitious climate goals require considering emissions implications holistically and addressing practical limitations and costs - not just within political boundaries but on a global scale. A balanced, multi-faceted debate that incorporates these perspectives could help develop more effective and sustainable policy approaches.
