The Union of Concerned Scientists believes we could need less minerals for batteries in future. We find this an intriguing proposition, given the inevitable growth in electric transport worldwide. Although this could also be great news for countries with limited material resources at their disposal.
How We Could Need Less Minerals for Batteries in Future
We decided to find out how the Union of Concerned Scientists reached its somewhat surprising conclusion. They explain on their blog how we can “electrify using less minerals than previously thought”. But we will need the right policies and the cooperation of industries to achieve this. Here’s how it could work in practice:
Reducing New Mineral Demand by 50% Through to 2050
- Increase electric vehicle efficiency in drive trains, to reduce battery size by consuming less energy per mile.
- Research and achieve higher battery density, through innovative chemistry, so we need less minerals per vehicle.
- Install convenient and fast charging access nationwide, so we don’t need large batteries for long driving ranges.
- Reduce reliance on personal vehicles though more affordable public transport, and encouraging biking and walking.
So Much for the Demand Side, But What About Supply?
The battery materials that we need to manage better include lithium, cobalt, nickel, copper, aluminum, and graphite. However, in its report, the Union of Concerned Scientists chooses to focus on lithium to prove its point.
The Union believes that the above strategies combined with recycling can enable the continued use of lithium indefinitely. Their findings suggest we can offset new lithium use by 50% through to 2050, by following their strategy.
However, lithium is less valuable that cobalt and nickel, and there is less enthusiasm in the recycling industry to recover it. Therefore, the Union recommends that North America follow the lead of the European Union, and require electric vehicle makers to recover all spent battery materials.
More Information
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US Lithium Smackover Reserve Beats Estimate
