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Estimates reflect production constraints, trends in consumption patterns, and import patterns Overview of mineral demands versus available supply (Optimal chemistry – NMC 811).
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New tailpipe emissions standards aim to increase electric vehicle (EV) sales in the United States. Here, we analyze the associated critical mineral supply chain constraints and enumerate the climate consequences of these constraints. Our work yields five findings. First, the proposed standard necessitates replacing at least 10.21 million new intern...
Citations
... Koroma et al. (2022) performed a battery LCA, emphasizing the need to parallel the deployment of BEVs with the expansion of renewable energy and the development of effective recycling processes for both vehicle bodies and batteries. Woodley et al. (2024) highlighted the limitations of the current mineral production capacity to meet the targeted EV production by 2032. Thus, some studies have indicated that concerns exist over the viability of EV deployment in the current situation. ...
Transitioning to electric vehicles has become a global carbon neutrality policy goal. However, vehicle electrification may have different outcomes depending on the energy mix scenario, average driving distance, vehicle lifetime, and vehicle manufacturing supply chain in a country. Hence, in this study, we applied the life cycle optimization approach to identify optimal car replacement periods, which would yield the lowest cumulative CO2 emissions for 2020–2050 in six countries: China, Germany, Finland, India, Japan, and the United States. The results showed that a discrepancy is evident between the existing policies of Germany, Japan, and the United States. To optimize CO2 emission reduction, these policies necessitate revision. Additionally, given the profound impact of region‐specific parameters, such as driving distance and vehicle preferences, the United States should endeavor to develop state‐specific policies predicated upon detailed state‐level data.
... Notably, EV requires about five times more critical minerals than internal combustion engine vehicles (IEA, 2024), meaning the increase in EV adoption directly drives soaring demand for the critical minerals. Although these minerals have historically played a minor role in global markets, they are rapidly becoming indispensable for achieving carbon neutrality, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and enhancing energy security (Woodley et al., 2024). ...
The importance of graphite is increasing with the global shift toward carbon neutrality and clean energy transitions. As a critical mineral for battery anodes, graphite demand is projected to grow fourfold by 2030 compared to 2023 levels, with overall demand doubling during the same period. However, graphite is classified as a high-risk mineral due to its heavily concentrated supply chain, which poses significant geopolitical risks. The globalization of manufacturing and trade has further exacerbated supply chain vulnerabilities by centralizing production in low-cost regions, deepening dependence on specific countries. This letter provides a comprehensive overview of the graphite supply chain and its associated challenges while offering strategic insights for stabilization and diversification.
... The term "sourcing" in the literature refers to challenges related to availability and the difficulties in securing and accessing the mineral inputs required for EV battery production. These challenges arise from a combination of factors, including geographical constraints, geopolitical tensions (Jetin, 2023;Woodley et al., 2024), insufficient technological capabilities including limited circular economy innovations (Baars et al., 2021;Jones, 2024), and the environmental and social impacts of mineral extraction and metal processing (Boateng and Klopp, 2024;Lehtimäki et al., 2024). ...
... For example, the DRC's cobalt production, which supplies a significant portion of the global market, is subject to political instability, making it a risky source for nations that rely on it for EV manufacturing (Jetin, 2023). Furthermore, geopolitical strategies that involve tariffs, export bans, or political alliances can directly influence the cost and availability of battery minerals, impacting the economics of EV production and driving nations to seek more secure sources, whether by investing in domestic mining operations or forming strategic partnerships with mining-producing countries (Woodley et al., 2024). ...
... Among recent studies that relate the impacts of geopolitical tension on battery material supply-demand dynamics are Jetin (2023), Woodley et al. (2024), Boateng and Klopp (2024), and Lehtimäki et al. (2024). Jetin (2023) highlighted geopolitical dependencies, noting the US and EU's reliance on imports for battery production materials, particularly from China. ...
The automotive industry’s shift to electric vehicles (EVs) faces persistent barriers in pricing, financing, and charging infrastructure, particularly affecting low-income and disadvantaged individuals. These hurdles pose challenges to achieving US decarbonization goals and hinder the development of a sustainable and electrified transportation sector. Global disruptions in the supply chain, driven by the pandemic and geopolitical tensions, exacerbate these challenges, keeping EV purchase prices elevated. Key disruptors include critical mineral scarcity, semiconductor shortages, and international trade and COVID-19-related restrictions, complicating efforts to overcome adoption hurdles. Conducting a systematic review using Google Scholar and ScienceDirect, we focused on articles related to EV supply chain disruptions, equity, and adoption barriers published in English post-2009. We analyzed 130 articles for topical focus and key findings. Our exploration reveals insights into the challenges of electrifying the transportation sector while addressing equity concerns. Proposing a systemic equity framework, we advocate for the simultaneous and effective administration of resources, policies, and cultural considerations for systematically marginalized communities. This holistic approach aims to navigate the complexities of the EV supply chain, fostering a future marked by equitable transport electrification. The intersection of equity issues with supply chain challenges emphasizes the timeliness and importance of this academic examination. Our contribution to the ongoing discourse on achieving a sustainable and inclusive transition to EVs delves into the dynamics of these challenges, highlighting the need for comprehensive solutions.
