Why EV Batteries Are Less Harmful to the Environment Than Oil Extraction and Refining

Why EV Batteries Are Less Harmful to the Environment Than Oil Extraction and Refining

Electric vehicles (EVs) are often critiqued for the environmental impact of their batteries, particularly during the mining of raw materials. However, when compared to the extraction and refining of oil, EV batteries are the less environmentally damaging over their lifecycle.

The Environmental Cost of Oil Extraction and Refining

Oil extraction and refining are energy-intensive processes that result in significant greenhouse gas emissions and ecological damage. Globally, the oil industry emits around 1.3 gigatonnes of CO2 annually. This is before the oil is transported, refined, and eventually burned as fuel in engines (ICEs). When the combustion emissions are included, the transport sector is responsible for about 24% of global CO2 emissions.

Beyond emissions, oil extraction leads to deforestation, habitat destruction, and the risk of catastrophic oil spills. For example, the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in 2010 released over 4.9 million barrels of oil into the Gulf of Mexico.

The Environmental Impact of EV Batteries

The production of EV batteries does have an environmental footprint, particularly due to mining. Extracting lithium, cobalt, and nickel requires significant energy and can cause environmental damage. For instance, mining activities can lead to water contamination and depletion in areas where water is already scarce.

However, when assessing the entire lifecycle of EVs, they still produce significantly fewer emissions than petrol or diesel vehicles. According to a 2021 study by the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT), the average EV produces 50% fewer greenhouse gas emissions over its lifetime compared to a conventional ICE vehicle.

Recycling: A Key Advantage of EV Batteries

One of the most promising aspects of EV technology is the potential for battery recycling. While oil is burned and cannot be reused, EV batteries can be recycled. Emerging technologies and industrial efforts are improving the efficiency of battery recycling processes.

For example, companies like Redwood Materials and Li-Cycle are developing methods to recover up to 95% of battery materials for reuse. This reduces the need for new mining operations and significantly lowers the environmental impact of battery production. By 2040, it is estimated that recycled materials could meet up to 40% of the EV battery industry's raw material demand.

Transitioning to Renewable Energy

When charged using renewable energy, the carbon footprint of an EV drops dramatically. Many countries are rapidly decarbonising their grids, with renewables like wind and solar now providing a growing share of electricity. For instance, in 2023, renewable energy accounted for over 40% of electricity generation in the UK.

In contrast, ICE vehicles are locked into fossil fuel dependency, with no pathway to decarbonisation.

While the production of EV batteries is not without its environmental challenges, the overall impact is far less severe than the extraction and refining of oil. Moreover, advancements in battery recycling and the transition to renewable energy sources further enhance the sustainability of EVs. As technology and infrastructure continue to evolve, EVs offer a cleaner and more sustainable alternative to traditional petrol and diesel vehicles.