THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF ELECTRIC VEHICLES BATTERIES: A systematic study on the Environmental Impacts of Lithium-Ion Battery Production for Electric Vehicles

Abstract

Electric vehicles (EVs) are widely regarded as the most promising replacement for traditional internal combustion engine cars. However, their rise also introduces new challenges, particularly the increased demand for minerals used in battery production. Lithium-ion batteries, the dominant technology powering EVs, depend heavily on the choice of electrode chemistry. When selecting a battery chemistry, manufacturers prioritize factors such as energy density, durability, and cost-effectiveness. The most commonly applied chemistries are NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt), NCA (Nickel Cobalt Aluminum), and LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate). Additionally, as the EV market is still in its early stages, the geographical concentration of the raw materials required for battery production has raised concerns about supply chain security. Battery recycling, seen as a key solution to the scarcity of raw materials, remains constrained by the current state of technology and regulatory frameworks. Based on representative raw material supply chains and real-world industrial practices, my research shows that in the battery production phase, LFP batteries consume the least energy and water while generating the fewest air pollutants compared to NMC and NCA. However, this analysis is limited by the inability to verify whether these findings extend across the entire battery life cycle. Furthermore, NMC and NCA batteries, which use nickel in their anode materials, emit sulfur oxides during production—precursors to acid rain. My research also found that EVs with longer driving ranges tend to have a lower environmental impact per unit of energy storage, even when using the same battery chemistry. In conclusion, while lithium-ion batteries have opened the door to the future era of electrification, they are likely just the beginning. Emerging battery technologies will undoubtedly provide better energy storage solutions for humans. However, until those advancements arrive, we must focus on addressing the various challenges posed by the current generation of lithium technology batteries