Minimising the impact from electric vehicles

Transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs) from fossil-powered vehicles is a priority strategy for decarbonising passenger road transport. However, EV batteries are material intensive. This is driving demand for mineral and metal mining for key ingredients, such as cobalt, lithium, and nickel. 
While the impacts of mining-related to battery production have become better understood, a large increase in new mining and harmful impacts is not inevitable. UTS research emphasises the opportunity to reduce emissions more rapidly by not just focussing on a switch from one technology to another, but by changing our whole transport system to reduce reliance on private vehicles.  

A system-wide change can also emphasise more equitable sharing of benefits, including equitable access to low-emission mobility, increased safety for pedestrians, improved health, and quality of life.   
The research identifies five practical strategies to support a socially just transition of road passenger transportation to net zero emissions that minimises mineral demand and mitigates mining impacts: 

• Reducing car dependence through urban redesign and improved public transport 
• Promoting smaller, more efficient EVs 
• Intensively reusing and repurposing of EV batteries 
• Enhancing recycling to ensure high recovery rates of minerals from used batteries 
• Ensuring responsible sourcing practices that respect human rights and environmental standards. 

The research report that includes detailed case studies is available here. 
 
 
Elsa Dominish’s Ted Talk on the topic