FACULTY OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

SEMM 1921 INTRODUCTION TO MECHANICAL

ENGINEERING
SEMESTER 2, 2023/2024
GROUP ASSIGNMENT

AN ENGINEERING SOLUTION FOR A SUSTAINABLE

SOCIETY - ELECTRIC VEHICLES
Section: 81

Lecturer: Prof. Madya. Dr. Mohd Farid Bin Muhamad Said

Date of Submission: July, 01, 2024

Group Members:
1. MD. ASHAB ANAN – A23KM4020
2. OMAR HANY HASSAN - A23KM4025
3. RONALD CALIST MUNISHI – A23KM3010
4. SEIF HAZEM ATTIA HASSAN AMER – A23KM3011
5. SOLEHUDDIN WAHID – A23KM3012

Abstract
Electric cars have emerged as a major engineering solution to the environmental, economic,
and social challenges posed by traditional ICE vehicles. This report explores how electric
vehicles (EVs) are beneficial compared to ICE vehicles while addressing environmental and
noise pollution, cost saving, energy security and independence, and job exposure. Minor
comparisons and supporting facts are discussed to showcase these advantages. This report also
outlines the savings in relation to energy operation, maintenance, and recyclability. The report
summarises the potential impact of widespread EV adoption and highlights areas for further
development and research, then concludes by emphasizing the overall importance of electric
vehicles in building a sustainable society.
1. Introduction
The world is currently experiencing a scarcity of crucial resources due to an ever-
increasing population that relies on the same depleting resources. The reliance on fossil fuels
as the primary energy source for various industries and vehicles intensifies the situation,
causing significant greenhouse gas emissions that degrade the environment. The well-being
and health of the majority are adversely affected by the polluted environment they are exposed
to. One of the sectors most involved in the use of fossil fuels is transportation. Most vehicles
use internal combustion engines (ICE), which rely solely on burning fossil fuels for energy.
With the high number of vehicles, this sector is among the leading contributors to greenhouse
gas emissions.

The automotive industry is transforming from traditional internal combustion engine

(ICE) vehicles to electric vehicles (EVs). This shift represents a response to the imperative of
creating sustainable mobility solutions in light of the adverse effects associated with
conventional vehicles. Unlike ICE vehicles, EVs are powered by rechargeable batteries, a
technology that eliminates reliance on fossil fuels and significantly reduces greenhouse gas
emissions.

This report aims to explore the pivotal roles that electric vehicles play compared to ICE
vehicles as environmentally beneficial alternatives, as well as their social and economic
impacts including cost reduction, job creation, energy independence, and reliability.

The main objectives of this report are as follows:

i. Evaluate the environmental impact of electric vehicles (EVs) compared to internal

combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.
ii. Analyse the economic benefits associated with EVs over ICE vehicles, particularly in
terms of operating costs.
iii. Assess the social and economic impacts of EVs, focusing on aspects such as job
creation and energy independence.

Through these objectives, the report seeks to provide a comprehensive analysis of the
advantages of electric vehicles, highlighting their potential to contribute to environmental
sustainability, economic efficiency, and societal well-being, for a sustainable society.
2. Main body
2.1 Environmental benefits
Unlike ICE vehicles, EVs are powered by rechargeable batteries. With such a
technology, EVs outweigh ICEs in the following areas when it comes to environmental
impacts: High usage of EVs and replacing ICE vehicles could potentially reduce Greenhouse
Gas emissions. EVs produce zero tailpipe (exhaust) emissions, which directly reduces
greenhouse gas emissions such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) and carbon dioxide (CO2). This
reduction helps mitigate climate change (global warming) and improves air quality, particularly
in urban areas (Wei, Zheng, & Li, 2023).

Furthermore, even from the starting lifecycle of commissioning EVs have better total
lifecycle emissions compared to ICE vehicles. When considering the entire lifecycle from
production to disposal, EVs often have lower emissions compared to ICE vehicles, particularly
when the vehicles are charged with electricity from renewable sources like wind, solar, or
hydroelectric power (Wei, Zheng, & Li, 2023). Moreover, EVs are often termed noiseless when
compared to ICE vehicles because electric motors produce less noise compared to combustion
engines. This reduction in noise pollution contributes to improved urban living conditions
(Tsoi, Loo, Li, & Zhang, 2023).

By reducing greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution and noise pollution, EVs'
contribution to the preservation of ecosystems and biodiversity is obviously far greater and
significant when compared to ICE vehicles. A sustainable society is one whose environment
assures the long-term well-being of its ecosystems.

Figure 1: The environmental sustainability chart of EV. (Struzik & Drury, 2023)
2.2 Economic Advantages

The expenses associated with EVs are more socially bearable when compared to ICE
vehicles. The economic advantages of EVs come under the following points – lower operating
costs, and maintenance savings. In terms of operating costs, electricity is generally less
expensive than gasoline (petrol) or diesel, resulting in lower fuelling costs for EVs. This cost
advantage is likely to rise further as the price of batteries continues to decrease and the
efficiency of EVs improves (Shukla, Skea, & Reisinger, 2022). For maintenance savings, EVs
are made with very few moving parts when compared to ICE vehicles. This leads to lower
maintenance and repair costs as fewer parts require repairing. Components such as engines,
transmissions, and exhaust systems, which are prone to wear and require regular maintenance
in ICE vehicles, are either absent or simplified in EVs. This results in reduced service visits
and lower overall maintenance expenses (Roberts, 2023). Plus, EVs rely on battery packs that
can be reused and recycled, thus reducing the costs and environmental impact of decomposing
battery wastes (Struzik & Drury, 2023).

Figure 2: Percentage of change in capital costs and installed capacity between (2010–2020)
(Shukla, Skea, & Reisinger, 2022).

2.3 Social and Economic Impact

The shift towards electric vehicles is driving job creation in various sectors, including
manufacturing, infrastructure development, and renewable energy. The production of EVs
requires a range of skills, from engineering and design to assembly and quality control.
Additionally, the expansion of charging networks and renewable energy sources creates
employment opportunities in construction, maintenance, and technology development (MRL,
2024).
Another social impact of the high usage of EVs is energy independence from the
economic point of view. By reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels, electric cars contribute
to national energy security and economic stability. Countries that invest in renewable energy
and EV infrastructure can reduce their vulnerability to fluctuations in global oil prices and
geopolitical tensions. This shift also supports the development of domestic energy industries,
fostering economic growth and resilience (Wei, Zheng, & Li, 2023).

3. Conclusion
Electric cars represent a comprehensive solution to several pressing environmental and
economic challenges. Their ability to reduce emissions, lower operating costs, and enhance
energy security underscores their potential to transform the transportation sector. The social
and economic advantages of enforcing the usage of EVs could help develop the country by
creating new jobs, and saving energy while reaching for economic energy independence. As
the transition to sustainable mobility continues, electric cars are poised to play a pivotal role in
shaping a cleaner, more resilient future. Future research and development should focus on
improving battery technology, expanding charging infrastructure, and integrating EVs with
renewable energy sources to maximize their environmental benefits.

References
MRL. (11 Mar, 2024). The Surge In Electric Vehicle Jobs: Opportunities & Trends.
Retrieved from MRL Consulting Group: https://www.mrlcg.com/resources/blog/the-
surge-in-electric-vehicle-jobs--opportunities---trends/
Roberts, G. (05 July, 2023). Electric vehicle repair costs revealed versus ICE equivalent.
Retrieved from FleetNews: https://www.fleetnews.co.uk/news/latest-fleet-
news/electric-fleet-news/2023/07/05/electric-vehicle-repair-costs-revealed-versus-ice-
equivalent
Shukla, P., Skea, J., & Reisinger, A. (2022). Climate Change 2022. Geneva: IPCC.
Struzik, E., & Drury, A. (24 May, 2023). Executive insights: Four imperatives to accelerate
sustainability in the electric vehicle value chain. Retrieved from ERM.com:
https://www.erm.com/insights/executive-insights-accelerate-sustainability-electric-
vehicle-value-chain/
Tsoi, K. H., Loo, B., Li, X., & Zhang, K. (2023). The co-benefits of electric mobility in
reducing traffic noise and chemical air pollution: Insights from a transit-oriented city.
Environment International.
Wei, F., Zheng, X., & Li, G. (2023). Evaluating environmental benefits from driving electric
vehicles: The case of Shanghai, China. Transportation Research Part D: Transport
and Environment.