New Study Lays Out Strategies to Push the Electric Vehicle Transition Forward While Slashing Mining Needs

By implementing policies and carrying out investments laid out in "Making the Most of Electric Vehicle Batteries: How Recycling, Innovation, and Efficiency Can Support a Sustainable Transportation Future," the U.S. could reduce the need for newly mined lithium - the primary mineral used to create EV batteries - by 48% between 2025 and 2050.

"By focusing on smarter designs, recycling, and reducing material use, we can transition to a clean transportation future that's both sustainable and brings the most benefit to the most people," said report author Jessica Dunn, a scientist in the Clean Transportation Program at the Union of Concerned Scientists.

The U.S. transportation system produces more climate-warming emissions than any other sector of the economy. Electrifying that system is crucial to lessening the impacts of climate change and protecting public health. But electrification must be done considering the needs of the environment and of all people.

EVs are far better for the environment and public health than internal combustion engine vehicles. Modern electric vehicles produce roughly half of the climate-warming emissions of gasoline or diesel vehicles, even when factoring in manufacturing. They also produce fewer air-quality deteriorating pollutants, protecting people from respiratory and other health problems.

However, EVs require the use of minerals, primarily lithium, along with nickel and cobalt, and mining for those minerals comes with environmental and social costs.

Following the recommendations laid out in the report would allow the United States to meet 60% of 2050 lithium needs with recycled content. The recommendations would also increase supply chain resilience, allowing a greater share of minerals to be sourced domestically or from preferred trade partners.

"With EV sales ramping up and automaker investment in a U.S.-based battery industry growing, electrified transportation is no longer a distant pipe dream, it's a reality," said Dunn. "We need to ensure the new transportation reality serves all people and the environment by helping EVs achieve the lightest footprint possible."

Setting EV efficiency standards, increasing mineral sourcing transparency, mandating recycling processes and investing in public transit is crucial to helping EVs achieve maximum sustainability and ensuring the transition to electric benefits all people.