TECHNICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS OF THE ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF ELECTRIC VEHICLES

Abstract

 The rapid development of electric vehicles has become one of the most important technological transformations in the modern automotive industry. The transition from internal combustion engine vehicles to electric vehicles is being driven by the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve urban air quality, decrease dependence on petroleum fuels, and introduce more efficient transport technologies. This article presents a technical and environmental analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of electric vehicles. The study examines the main structural differences between electric vehicles and conventional vehicles, including the role of the traction battery, electric motor, power electronics, regenerative braking system, thermal management system, and charging equipment. The environmental advantages of electric vehicles are analyzed from the viewpoint of zero tailpipe emissions, higher energy efficiency, reduced urban noise, and the possibility of integrating transport with renewable energy systems. At the same time, the article discusses the limitations and disadvantages of electric vehicles, such as battery production emissions, dependence on the electricity generation mix, charging infrastructure requirements, driving range limitations, battery degradation, cold-weather performance reduction, recycling challenges, and critical mineral supply risks. The results show that electric vehicles have clear environmental and technical advantages over conventional internal combustion engine vehicles during operation, but their overall sustainability depends on the energy source used for charging, battery production technology, responsible raw material extraction, and end-of-life battery management. The article concludes that electric vehicles should be evaluated not only as individual vehicles but also as part of a wider transport-energy system that includes electricity generation, charging infrastructure, service networks, recycling systems, and state policy mechanisms.