On the subject of electrifying by the magic date of 2030, automakers discuss an important recreation—however if you wish to know which corporations are severe about electrification, look into which of them are lining up provides of essential battery minerals.
In keeping with a current report from Transport & Atmosphere (T&E), automakers within the European market have secured solely about 16% of the important thing battery metals they are going to want between now and 2030. T&E’s report, which was based mostly on an evaluation of publicly disclosed contracts, discovered that solely Tesla and BYD are doing sufficient to ensure provides of cobalt, lithium and nickel to satisfy their 2030 gross sales targets. Most European producers—besides Volkswagen and Stellantis—are far behind.
Solely six corporations—Tesla, BYD, VW, Ford, Renault and Stellantis—have long-term contracts for every of the three key metals or plan to vary battery chemistries to finish their dependence on one of many metals, the analysis finds. Mercedes has just one publicly disclosed contract for a key mineral, and BMW, has not disclosed sufficient details about the way it plans to safe nickel, cobalt or cathode supplies.
“There’s a clear disconnect between carmakers’ electrical car targets and their essential mineral methods,” mentioned Julia Poliscanova, Senior Director for Automobiles and E-mobility Provide Chains at T&E. “Tesla and BYD are method forward of most European gamers, who’re solely waking as much as the problem of securing battery metals now. This report ought to sound the alarm to CEOs and buyers to have interaction additional upstream of their provide chains.”
The T&E examine additionally checked out accountable provide chain practices, together with the traceability of uncooked supplies, low-carbon processes and protections for human rights and indigenous rights. On this division, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen scored high marks, whereas Tesla earned a low rating. BYD scored zero, as a result of T&E couldn’t discover any info on any sustainable practices.
T&E additionally examined automakers’ resilience to produce chain shocks. On this class, Volkswagen, Stellantis and Mercedes-Benz earned the very best scores. These three and Renault are the one carmakers supporting EU start-ups in battery elements and minerals processing.
“Carmakers’ provide chain methods will make or break the EV transition in Europe, and render some corporations out of date,” mentioned Ms. Poliscanova. “Supporting native refining and battery element factories might be essential to their very own resilience. However Europeans have a transparent lead on the cleansing up the availability chains, which is essential for client acceptance and unlocking ESG finance.”
Supply: Transport & Atmosphere
