The rapid growth of electromobility makes the global economy increasingly dependent on battery raw materials. Growing material demand has led to price surges and volatility, as well as critical assessments of the feasibility of scaling value chains and the urgency of more sustainable mining, refining, processing, and recycling. To evaluate how critical the material challenges are, there is a fast-growing scenario literature focusing on materials with underdeveloped supply chains.
An industrial robotic arm installs a battery pack on an electric car chassis, showcasing advanced technology in automotive manufacturing and sustainable transportation solutions.
The speed at which the number of battery electric vehicles is growing is fueling debates and research on the criticality of battery materials. But rapid growth also enables fast uptake of new cathode chemistries, and electric vehicle batteries show considerable flexibility and material substitutability. Historical scaling of production is more dynamic than recognized in scenarios of future mineral scarcity, highlighting large uncertainties and calling for more analysis of a broader range of future technology pathways. Policies directed at resource security need to focus less on specific minerals and more on innovation and enhancing the diversity in technological options, materials, and supply chains.
Project / Mistra Mineral Governance research project aims to help decision-makers in Sweden and the EU navigate the critical mineral governance landscape.
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