High School Understanding of the Cradle-to-Grave Process of Electric Vehicles
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47611/jsrhs.v12i4.5868Keywords:
Electric Vehicles, EV, Batteries, Cardle-to-Grave, Combustion Engine Vehicles, Cars, Environment, Environmental EffectsAbstract
The existing shift from combustion engine vehicles to electric vehicles has created this perception that electric vehicles are flawless. The purpose of this study was to measure how aware people are of the cradle-to-grave process of electric vehicles, measuring their complete environmental footprint. This study conducted an experiment among high school students across all grade levels at one school to examine their understanding of the environmental effects of electric vehicles. Students (N=278) were asked to answer seven demographic questions, 7 environmental questions, 6 questions about the cradle-to-grave process, and 5 questions about combustion engine vehicles. Students self-reported their knowledge about each of these categories, on a 1-5 likert scale. The results indicated that the students were not as aware about the cradle-to-grave process of electric vehicles, while they knew statistically more about combustion engine vehicles. The implications of this study suggest a need for better education regarding electric vehicles through schools and better online research, which in turn, will create a more informed society.
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