sourced. These batteries tend to consist of lithium cobalt for the cathode and graphite for the anode. A typical EV lithium-ion battery’s electrolyte is also made of lithium salt. More than half of this lithium comes from the so-called Lithium-Triangle that lies under Argentina, Bolivia and Chile. To extract it, miners drill holes in the salt flats and pump the salty, mineral-rich brine to the surface, leaving it to evaporate in huge artificial lakes or ponds. This process uses a lot of water, more than 500,000 gallons for each ton of lithium produced. Such enormous consumption of water impacts not only the surrounding ecosystems but also has a huge impact on local farmers, for obvious reasons. Not only that, but these large evaporation pools are often far from sealed. This can, and has, led to the leaching of toxic substances into the surrounding water supply. As happened in Tibet a few years ago, the accidental release of substances like hydrochloric acid kills large amounts of aquatic animals such as
fish. But EV batteries are not just all about lithium. There are some other key components that are just as potentially harmful to the environment as lithium, if not more―enter cobalt and nickel. The former is found in large deposits across the Democratic Republic of Congo and central Africa. And this is one of the main problems―its geographical location. It is relatively easy to extract cobalt, which has produced a large incentive to dig it out and sell it. However, this is often conducted unsafely and with little concern for the environment in enterprises termed “artisanal mines.” These informal mines often involve the use of child labor who extract the raw materials by hand with little to no protective equipment. Cobalt mining produces a lot of airborne particulate matter, which often contains toxic contaminants like uranium. Inhalation of these substances has been linked to serious health problems, including respiratory disease and birth defects. Cobalt mining sites also often
contain sulfur-containing materials that can generate sulfuric acid when exposed to air and water. When this acid drains from the mines, it can devastate rivers, streams and other aquatic and terrestrial environments for a very long time. Where the batteries for EVs are made is also an important factor when considering their environmental impact. According to Forbes, batteries produced in China produce somewhere in the region of 60% more carbon dioxide than internal combustion engines. If China could be convinced to adopt Western standards for production, this could be significantly reduced. The report also found these factories could cut their emissions by up to 66% if they adopted manufacturing techniques used in America or Europe manufacturing techniques. If this were to happen, the extraction process and production of batteries would be on a par or slightly higher than the manufacturing process of ICE vehicles. EV batteries also tend to be pretty heavy. This can result in other, often overlooked, environmental
impacts like the need to attempt to reduce the weight in other parts of the car. Lighter materials like carbon fiber-based polymers tend to be more energy-intensive to produce and difficult to recycle. Another issue with EVs is the way in which the electricity used to charge its batteries is generated. While leaps and bounds have been made in adding renewable technologies to many countries’ energy mix, many are still heavily reliant on carbon-based power stations. This is not insignificant either. According to some sources, EVs, on average, emit around 4,450lbs of CO2 each year indirectly. To put that into perspective, conventional gasoline cars emit at least twice as much. However, it is important to note that this varies widely around the world. Battery production is only half the story, however. The way that batteries are disposed of at the end of their life can also potentially damage the environment. At present, there are few countries that regularly attempt to recy-
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