Carbon Emissions
Manufacturing lithium-ion batteries generates substantial CO₂ emissions, primarily from mining, refining, and processing raw materials. For every ton of lithium mined through hard rock extraction, 15 tons of CO₂ are emitted. Additionally, battery production relies heavily on energy sources like coal—particularly in China, which dominates global battery supply chains and derives 60% of its electricity from coal. This results in higher upfront emissions compared to gasoline-powered vehicles.
Resource Extraction Impacts
- Lithium mining: Brine extraction (using saltwater) consumes hundreds of millions of gallons of fresh water annually, risking aquifer depletion and ground fissures. In arid regions like South America’s lithium triangle, this threatens local ecosystems.
- Habitat disruption: Open-pit mining and brine pumping degrade soil, reduce vegetation, and harm biodiversity.
Waste and Recycling Challenges
An estimated 98.3% of lithium-ion batteries end up in landfills, where they pose fire risks and leak toxic materials. Recycling infrastructure remains underdeveloped, exacerbating long-term environmental hazards.
While EVs have lower operational emissions, their production-phase footprint—driven by battery manufacturing—creates trade-offs. Transitioning to renewable energy in mining/refining processes and scaling recycling efforts are critical to mitigating these impacts.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/how-does-the-production-of-lithium-ion-batteries-impact-the-environmental-footprint-of-electric-vehicles/
