According to a recent report by a green transport thinktank, the surge in demand for critical metals with the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) can be mitigated by making EVs smaller and reducing private journeys by road. The report suggests that by 2050, the usage of critical metals such as lithium, nickel, and cobalt could be reduced by almost 50%, provided manufacturers stop producing large SUVs. The thinktank, called Transport & Environment, recommends the implementation of “weight-based taxation” on heavier vehicles to discourage the trend toward larger electric SUVs. The report, titled “Clean and lean: Battery metals demand from electrifying passenger transport,” published by Transport & Environment based in Brussels, states that Europe and the UK have various options to reduce key metal demand by up to 49% by 2050. The most significant reduction in metal demand would be achieved through the production of smaller vehicles with smaller batteries. The current lithium-ion EV batteries rely on these metals for charging and discharging, with nickel in the cathodes providing high energy density, allowing for longer travel on a single charge. Cobalt is used to prevent cathodes from overheating or catching fire and to extend battery life. The report states that the demand for raw battery materials will inevitably rise as the 2030 ban on new combustion engines approaches. By 2050, Europe as a whole is estimated to require 200 times the amount of battery raw materials consumed in 2021. The report demonstrates the potential impact of “aggressive innovations,” including fewer journeys, smaller EVs, and more advanced batteries, on reducing metal consumption. To reduce metal demand, T&E urges the UK government to take action and reduce battery and car sizes, describing it as the most effective measure. T&E also suggests introducing weight-based taxes on larger vehicles and providing subsidies for smaller electric cars. The thinktank believes that making smaller EVs with more compact batteries is the most effective way to reduce metal demand, potentially reducing it by 19-23% by 2050. Additionally, reducing private car journeys can further decrease demand for raw materials by 7-9%. T&E recommends reviewing road building programs and implementing schemes that prioritize public transport, walking, and cycling over private cars. The report also states that the lifetime emissions of battery electric cars are significantly lower than those powered by fossil fuels, even when considering manufacturing and raw materials. EVs emit 69% less CO2 compared to fossil-fueled cars.
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