With the surge in electric vehicles (EVs), the demand for high-performance batteries has never been greater. The intricate process of crafting EV batteries involves navigating the complex global geopolitics and ethical considerations surrounding raw materials. Understanding how EV batteries are made sheds light on the challenges and innovations within the industry.
At the heart of electric cars are powertrain batteries, supplying energy to all vehicle components. The primary concern lies in the supply chain and raw materials, notably lithium and its variants such as cobalt, nickel, and manganese.
Cobalt, often referred to as the “blood diamond of batteries,” raises ethical questions due to human rights abuses and environmental degradation in its mining process, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
While some automakers engage in deals with cobalt mining firms, others, like Tesla, are exploring in-house battery production to eliminate external dependencies. The quest for sustainable alternatives includes considerations for nickel, but this presents its own set of environmental challenges.
As the electric vehicle market continues to grow, the industry grapples with finding a balance between the increasing demand for EV batteries and the ethical and environmental impact of raw material extraction. The ongoing pursuit of cleaner technologies and ethical sourcing practices is crucial for the sustainable future of EV battery packaging and production. The process ends with the EV battery packaging or installation.
.
