To be clear, I am a strong advocate for Malaysia’s transition to greener transportation solutions, including the adoption of EVs. The potential benefits of reducing tailpipe emissions, improving air quality, and decreasing our reliance on fossil fuels are undeniable. However, as environmentally conscious citizens, we must examine the complete lifecycle of EVs and question whether the "zero-emission" label genuinely reflects their environmental footprint.
The Fossil Fuel Reality Behind EVs in Malaysia
One key challenge to the zero-emission claim lies in the source of electricity that powers these vehicles. In Malaysia, our electricity grid is still predominantly reliant on fossil fuels, such as natural gas and coal. According to the International Energy Agency, more than 80% of Malaysia's electricity is currently generated from these carbon-intensive sources. While EVs themselves emit no direct exhaust, the emissions generated from producing the electricity that powers them cannot be ignored. Factoring in these emissions reveals that EVs in Malaysia, as things stand, are not genuinely "zero-emission" vehicles.
Some may argue that even with these challenges, EVs are still a cleaner option compared to traditional gasoline-powered cars. And this is true—EVs provide significant reductions in local air pollution and contribute to improved public health. However, if our national goal is to achieve net-zero emissions, we must take a broader and more honest view of the current limitations of EVs.
The Environmental Toll of EV Batteries
A frequently overlooked aspect of EVs is the lifecycle of their batteries. Though Malaysia may not produce these batteries domestically, we cannot ignore the substantial carbon emissions tied to their production overseas. EV batteries are primarily made from minerals like lithium, cobalt, and nickel, whose extraction has significant environmental impacts, including habitat destruction and water pollution.
Beyond the environmental toll in mining regions, the manufacturing process for EV batteries is highly energy-intensive, resulting in a considerable carbon footprint even before the EVs hit the road. Therefore, while it is fair to claim that EVs produce no tailpipe emissions, it is inaccurate to label them “zero-emission” without acknowledging the significant carbon emissions embedded in the battery lifecycle. Malaysia may enjoy cleaner air locally, but we cannot ignore the emissions embedded in the production process, which are simply shifted to other parts of the world.
Risks of Neglecting Battery Waste
As EV batteries approach the end of their useful life, their proper disposal and recycling become increasingly challenging. This issue demands urgent attention, as highlighted by various reports. Greenpeace estimates that between 2021 and 2030, around 12 million tonnes of lithium-ion batteries from electric vehicles will be decommissioned globally. In Europe, studies suggest that the UK could face a significant waste crisis, with projections indicating up to 250,000 tonnes—equivalent to nearly half a million cubic meters—of unprocessed battery pack waste by the time these vehicles reach the end of their service life.
In Malaysia, while there may be policies in place to manage battery waste, the lack of adequate infrastructure and public awareness could still result in significant environmental challenges from discarded EV batteries. This situation exacerbates waste management issues and poses a risk to the goal of achieving zero emissions in transportation
Towards a More Sustainable Future for EVs
Despite these challenges, there is a silver lining. Malaysia’s investments in renewable energy—through initiatives like the Malaysian Renewable Energy Roadmap, which targets 40% renewable energy by 2035—promise to reduce the carbon footprint of EV charging in the long run. As more of our electricity comes from solar, biopower, hydropower, and other renewable sources, the environmental benefits of EVs will improve significantly.
Additionally, advancements in battery technology are on the horizon. Though still in their early stages, innovations aimed at improving battery efficiency, extending lifespan, and enhancing recyclability could help reduce the overall environmental impact of EVs. Continuous improvements in these areas will be crucial in making EVs a truly sustainable option.
A More Accurate Label for Today’s EVs
Given these considerations, I believe we must adopt a more nuanced perspective on EVs in Malaysia. While they represent a significant step forward in reducing emissions, the "zero-emission" label might be overly optimistic in our current context. Perhaps a more accurate term for EVs in Malaysia today would be "low-emission" vehicles, acknowledging their potential to reduce local air pollution while recognizing the emissions associated with their power source and production lifecycle.
By being transparent about the current limitations, we can manage public expectations and encourage ongoing efforts to decarbonize our electricity grid and improve EV technology. The government, automakers, and the public must continue working together to refine Malaysia’s net-zero emission strategy, ensuring that it takes into account the full lifecycle of EVs—from cradle to grave—and that it drives meaningful progress toward a truly sustainable transportation future.
* Eur Ing Hong Wai Onn, a chartered engineer and chartered environmentalist, is a Fellow of the Institution of Chemical Engineers, the Royal Society of Chemistry, and the Malaysian Institute of Management. He is also the founder of the Research Institute for Sustainable Excellence and Leadership.
** The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the position of Astro AWANI.
