The main sources of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing primarily stem from battery production, which is the most carbon-intensive part of the process. The key factors include:
- Raw material extraction and refining: Mining and refining of battery materials such as nickel, manganese, cobalt, lithium, and graphite contribute substantially to GHG emissions. These processes involve toxic fumes, water-intensive mining activities, and energy-intensive refining steps, all generating significant emissions.
- Energy consumption during battery material processing: Production of the anode and cathode active materials requires high temperatures and intensive energy use, often from fossil fuels, adding to the carbon footprint.
- Electricity used in battery manufacturing: About half of battery lifecycle emissions come from the electricity consumed in assembling the battery cells and packs. The carbon intensity varies strongly depending on the energy source—renewable energy (solar, wind) leads to a much lower footprint compared to electricity generated from natural gas or coal.
- Vehicle body and component manufacturing: Although the EV body production shares a similar carbon footprint with internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles (five to ten tons of CO2 equivalent emissions), the added battery emissions roughly double the total manufacturing footprint for EVs compared to ICE vehicles.
Altogether, battery production (including raw material extraction, refining, and manufacturing) accounts for approximately 46% of an EV’s total carbon emissions from production, compared to about 26% for an ICE vehicle primarily due to differences in the powertrain components.
In summary, the principal GHG emission sources in EV manufacturing are the mining and refining of battery raw materials, energy-intensive battery material processing and assembly, and the electricity mix used in production facilities. Strategies to reduce emissions focus on cleaner energy sources for manufacturing and responsible material sourcing.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/what-are-the-main-sources-of-greenhouse-gas-emissions-in-ev-manufacturing/
