EVは地球だけでなく命も救える

Despite a recent slowdown in sales, it is undeniable at this point that electric vehicles are the future of transportation.  Whether fueled through battery packs or hydrogen, EVs are on a clear path to replace the internal combustion engine (ICE) in time.  The reasons for efforts supporting this are varied and are typically built around the idea of saving the planet from irreversible climate change.  Interestingly though, new studies are showing that it is not just the Earth that will benefit from this inevitable transition, but human lives.

研究

The aforementioned study is one that looked to assess the potential effect a rapid phaseout of fossil fuels would have on humans.  It was published in The British Medical Journal (BMJ), after being put together by researchers from the following universities.

• ドイツのマックス・プランク化学研究所
• 英国のロンドン衛生熱帯医学大学
• 米国のワシントン大学
• スペインのバルセロナグローバルヘルス研究所
• ドイツのマインツ大学医学センター

The broad scope of participating entities behind the study goes to show that this is not an isolated issue but one relevant on a global scale.

The bottom line is that air pollution remains a major public health challenge, with previous studies offering varying estimates of its mortality impact.  By employing updated atmospheric models and recent satellite-based fine particle data, the researchers behind this latest study estimate that about 5 million excess deaths globally each year can be attributed to air pollution from fossil fuels.

調査結果

Looking closer at the deaths attributed to fossil fuel pollution will show various recurring ailments that span from myocardial infarctions, cerebral vascular accidents, respiratory ailments such as chronic pulmonary obstructive disorder, and more.

The paper states that the team was able to achieve these insights through the development of a “…data constrained, global, atmospheric modelling method to compute gaseous and particulate air pollutants and attributed them to source categories.”  From there, it found that, primarily due to PM 2.5 (particulate matter smaller than 2.5 microns, which is particularly harmful due to its ability to bypass the body’s natural filtration mechanisms), 82% of air pollution deaths could be directly attributed to fossil fuels.  The effects of its elimination are shown in the following chart.

出典: www.bmj.com/content/383/bmj-2023-077784

The team did recognize that there were limitations to the study, stating that, among other things, it was reliant upon the studies of ‘epidemiological cohorts’.  As such, there were various ‘under-represented’ parts of the world (e.g. South Africa).

Regardless of limited data in certain regions, it would appear as though the study’s findings were clear – lives are unnecessarily lost every year due to fossil fuel use.

『ディーゼルゲート』

This study’s implications are vast, particularly in light of events like the “Dieselgate” scandal, where certain automakers were found to have cheated on emissions tests.  Such incidents have drawn public attention to the broader issue of air pollution and its sources, reinforcing the need for swift action towards cleaner energy alternatives.

The “Dieselgate” scandal was a major automotive industry controversy that erupted in 2015年9月 when the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) revealed that Volkswagen had been using software in its diesel vehicles to manipulate emissions tests.  This software, known as a “defeat device,” enabled the vehicles to meet emissions standards during regulatory testing, while emitting up to 40 times more nitrogen oxides (NOx) during regular driving conditions.  This deceit not only violated environmental laws but also misled consumers about the vehicles’ environmental impact.  The scandal quickly expanded beyond Volkswagen, with allegations involving other manufacturers such as Audi, a Volkswagen subsidiary, and Porsche.

マサチューセッツ工科大学（MIT）の研究は、世界で1100万台の影響を受けた車両からの余剰排出が、ヨーロッパだけで約1,200件の早死にに寄与すると推定しました。この数値は、余剰排出が大気質に与える影響と、それに続く健康への影響、特に呼吸器系と心血管系の疾患に基づいています。

ディーゼルゲートは広範な影響を及ぼし、大規模なリコール、法的措置、そして世界的なディーゼル車排出規制の再評価につながりました。この混乱から生まれた銀の裏地は、より持続可能な代替手段や慣行への関心の高まりであり、これは間違いなく最近のEV産業の成長と関連する政府規制を後押ししました。残念ながら、BMJに最近掲載された研究は、持続可能性への道のりにまだ大きな山が残っていることを示しています。

業界プレーヤー

Never before has there been such a broad array of vehicles available to the public for transportation – be it diesel, gas, hybrids, battery EVs, hydrogen EVs, or something else entirely.  However, for investors interested in the automotive industry that keep sustainability in mind, a few names stand out in a growing field.

*以下の数値は執筆時点で正確であり、変更される可能性があります。投資を検討する方は指標を確認すべきです*

上場企業

1.  Tesla, Inc.

TSLA 価格チャート

As a pioneer in the electric vehicle (EV) market, Tesla (TSLA ) represents a compelling investment opportunity.  Founded in 2003, it has established a dominant position in the EV sector with its innovative models like the Model S, 3, X, Y, and Cybertruck.  Tesla’s commitment extends beyond vehicles to battery storage and solar technology, diversifying its portfolio.  The company’s ability to consistently lead in EV technology, expand its global footprint, and maintain a strong brand makes it a potentially lucrative investment, particularly for those looking to capitalize on the growing trend towards sustainable energy.

2.  Rivian Automotive, Inc.

RIVN 価格チャート

Rivian stands out as an attractive investment in the electric vehicle space, particularly for its focus on electric trucks and SUVs, a relatively untapped segment in the EV market.  Founded in 2009, Rivian has garnered attention with the R1T pickup and R1S SUV, which combine eco-friendliness with adventure and off-road capabilities.

3. Polestar

PSNY 価格チャート

Investing in Polestar offers a unique opportunity in the electric vehicle sector, combining the appeal of high-performance and luxury with environmental sustainability.  Since its 2017 inception as an independent brand, Polestar has focused exclusively on electric vehicles, such as the hybrid Polestar 1 and the all-electric Polestar 2.  Its commitment to minimal environmental impact, coupled with advanced Scandinavian design and technology, positions Polestar as a strong contender in the luxury EV market.

株式クラウドファンディング

Aptera Motors

While not publicly traded, Aptera Motors (SEV ) has emerged as an intriguing investment prospect within the electric vehicle industry – especially for its unique focus on ultra-efficient, solar electric vehicles (SEVs).

The company, revived in 2019, distinguishes itself with the Aptera SEV, a three-wheeled, aerodynamic vehicle boasting an impressive range and minimal energy consumption. Its solar integration allows for self-charging capabilities, reducing reliance on charging stations.

Olympian Motors

最終的な考察

Overall, the research team emphasized the urgency of transitioning to renewable energy sources.  It stated that,

「大気汚染の大部分は、人為的排出によるもので、世界的に見て82％が産業、発電、輸送における化石燃料の使用に起因しています。パリ協定が掲げる2050年までの気候中立という目標を考えると、化石燃料をクリーンで再生可能なエネルギーに置き換えることは、公共の健康と気候に対して巨大な相乗効果をもたらすでしょう」

Past events like diesel-gate may have been needed to nudge the transportation sector in the right direction, and the findings of such studies should hopefully continue this trend towards sustainability.  While EVs are by no means perfect, as the industry needs to become better at recycling and less harmful battery compositions, they remain one of the best solutions for battling the effects of fossil fuels.  If we were to wait for a perfect solution, we would never move forward.  EVs provide enough benefits to warrant adoption, with a goal of ironing out its major kinks along the way.