Ethical and Environmental Issues in Electric Car Manufacturing

Ali Mirzazade

Bachelor's thesis

Abstract:

This thesis aims to explore the ethical and environmental concerns inherent in the production of electric cars, which are often promoted as a superior alternative to traditional internal combustion engine (ICE)-equipped vehicles. Despite the touted benefits of electric cars, their production process is fraught with ethical and environmental challenges, and large corporations may attempt to conceal such issues from the public eye. Moreover, consumers frequently overlook the manufacturing process and its associated complexities, potentially enabling businesses to operate with insufficient ethical and environmental considerations. Consequently, organizations may exploit labor and harm the environment in pursuit of profit. To this end, the author investigates the specific ethical and environmental problems related to electric car production. Additionally, the study examines the social and economic implications of producing electric cars, including their impact on labor rights and working conditions during the manufacturing process. The thesis utilizes a systematic literature review of pertinent academic sources, alongside an analysis of industry reports and interviews. In the end, through a quantitative survey, the author tries to conclude the ethical and environmental issues in electric car manufacturing.

Keywords

Sustainability, Business Ethics, Electric Vehicles

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 19. 3. 2023

Thesis defence

• Date of defence: 17. 5. 2023
• Supervisor: Daniel Rosenhaft Swain, Ph.D. MA
• Reader: Alžběta Kuchtová, externi

Czech University of Life Sciences Prague

Faculty of Economics and Management

Bachelor programme:
Business Administration