| Abstract Scope |
The global electric vehicle fleet is expected to grow by 27-50 fold by 2030. Such phenomenal growth has highlighted the need for a better understanding of the sustainability of the materials that comprise the battery - the signature component of an electric vehicle. This study presents the cradle-to-gate environmental impacts of key battery materials, and investigates the sensitivity of the results to future developments of the battery materials supply chain, battery technological advancements, and market dynamics, with Argonne’s GREET model. In light of the much-anticipated transition to a circular economy, this study also identifies opportunities of environmental impacts reduction for battery materials via pyrometallurgical, hydrometallurgical, and direct cathode-to-cathode recycling technologies, with Argonne’s EverBatt model. Findings of this study can help inform and direct battery material production, battery design and manufacturing, and battery recycling towards a sustainable future. |