E-bikes sales in Germany have jumped, as drivers, suppliers and even automakers embrace their role in the future of transportation. Photograph: Felix Schmitt/The New York TimesSince converting my bike to an electric bike, one of the many pleasures I’ve experienced is watching friends and family discover the thrill of this revolutionary technology, that makes hills disappear and takes the effort out of cycling.
Batteries facilitate the use of renewable energy by storing wind and solar power during dark and windless periods. This capability has already made solar power generation coupled with battery storagein India, and over the next few years it is also projected to become competitive with coal in China and gas power in the United States.
The benefits are not just for the climate. Reducing fossil fuel import dependence will make countries less vulnerable to geopolitical disruption and price volatility. The shift to minerals rather than fossil fuels could create new dependencies – supply chains for minerals like lithium are geographically concentrated – but this supply chain is inherently far less vulnerable than the current trade in fossil fuel.
Recent advancements in battery technology have shown potential for reducing reliance on critical minerals like cobalt In contrast, once battery minerals are mined, they can be reused for many decades. While battery recycling is still in its infancy, it is. Batteries are simply too valuable to send to landfills. As waste streams develop, the need for newly mined minerals will decrease, significantly reducing the carbon and environmental footprint of battery production.in battery technology have shown potential for reducing reliance on critical minerals like cobalt.