A new study from Japan’s Ritsumeikan University reveals a potentially massive increase in raw material demand for electric vehicle (EV) batteries, challenging current estimates and raising questions about the sustainability of the EV revolution, reports 注册.

电池资源需求将激增

研究人员预计，到 2050 年，电动汽车电池材料的需求量将增加两倍，届时锂离子电池可能占汽车行业所有资源的一半以上。这一需求激增的驱动力来自全球对电气化的推动，英国、日本和美国等国都制定了雄心勃勃的电动汽车采用目标。

"立命馆大学副教授 Shoki Kosai 说："在汽车行业，电气化导致资源使用量增加约两倍多。

目前的估计不足

The study, published in Resources, Conservation and Recycling, highlights a crucial oversight in existing projections: the need for battery replacements during a vehicle’s lifetime. This factor significantly increases the raw material requirements for the EV transition.

全球电动汽车热潮即将来临

全球电动汽车需求预计将激增：

2023:电动汽车少于 4 500 万辆
2030 年：2.5 亿辆电动汽车
2035:5.25 亿辆电动汽车

资源 Crunch

随着各国政府推动电动汽车的快速普及，人们越来越担心锂、镍、钴、锰和石墨等关键材料的供应问题。寻找新资源的工作正在加紧进行。俄勒冈州–内华达州边境正在成为潜在的热点地区。

循环经济中的希望

研究人员建议，"循环经济战略 "有可能将资源需求减半或维持在 2015 年的水平。这些战略包括

延长车辆使用寿命
推广汽车和共享乘车服务
加强材料回收和再循环
提高燃油效率
采用寿命更长的固态电池

"Kosai 补充说："如果同时雄心勃勃地实施一套循环经济战略，汽车电气化可以在不增加资源使用的情况下实现。

EVXL’s Take

The findings from Ritsumeikan University underscore the complexities of the EV transition. While the push for electrification is crucial for combating climate change, it’s clear that a holistic approach is needed to ensure sustainability. The emphasis on circular economy strategies aligns with recent trends in the drone industry, where companies are increasingly focusing on battery longevity and recyclability. As the EV and drone sectors continue to evolve, we can expect to see more innovative solutions addressing these resource challenges, potentially leading to breakthroughs that benefit both industries.