Veículos elétricos e os impactos ambientais da produção e descarte de baterias

The main objective of this work is to analyze the introduction of electric vehicles (EV's) and hybrids (HEV's) as alternatives for the reduction of environmental impacts in the Brazilian scenario, addressing their components, operation, life cycle of automotive batteries, ecological impacts and implementation challenges. The study starts from the differentiation between the types of electric and hybrid vehicles, such as BEV's (battery electric vehicle), HEV's (hybrid electric vehicle), PHEV's (Plug-In hybrid electric vehicle) and MHEV's (micro hybrid electric vehicle), highlighting their technical characteristics, such as the combination of electric motors, high-capacity batteries, electronic power systems and, in the case of hybrids, integration with internal combustion engines. Next, the environmental impacts associated with these vehicles are analyzed, from the extraction of raw materials to the disposal of lithium-ion batteries (LIB). Among the main effects discussed are ecotoxicity, acidification, human toxicity and other potential damage to the environment. As mitigation strategies, recycling techniques such as pyrometallurgy and hydrometallurgy are explored, in addition to the possibility of a second life for automotive batteries in other applications such as energy storage systems (ESS). The work evaluates the growth of EV's and HEV's in Brazil, contextualizing it with the current public policies, such as IPVA exemptions and other tax incentives, and also addresses the waste management policies in comparison with those applied in other relevant countries in the context of EV's and HEV's. By analyzing the infrastructure necessary for the challenges imposed by the growth of the EV and HEV fleet, as well as the end of the useful life of their batteries, it is concluded that strategic planning is essential to mitigate future environmental impacts.