Impact of transport electrification on critical metal sustainability with a focus on the heavy-duty segment

Han Hao, Yong Geng (), James E. Tate, Feiqi Liu, Kangda Chen, Xin Sun, Zongwei Liu and Fuquan Zhao
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Han Hao: Tsinghua University
Yong Geng: Shanghai Jiao Tong University
James E. Tate: University of Leeds
Feiqi Liu: Tsinghua University
Kangda Chen: Tsinghua University
Xin Sun: Tsinghua University
Zongwei Liu: Tsinghua University
Fuquan Zhao: Tsinghua University

Nature Communications, 2019, vol. 10, issue 1, 1-7

Abstract: Abstract The majority of transport electrification studies, examining the demand and sustainability of critical metals, have focused on light-duty vehicles. Heavy-duty vehicles have often been excluded from the research scope due to their smaller vehicle stock and slower pace of electrification. This study fills this research gap by evaluating the lithium resource impacts from electrification of the heavy-duty segment at the global level. Our results show that a mass electrification of the heavy-duty segment on top of the light-duty segment would substantially increase the lithium demand and impose further strain on the global lithium supply. The significant impact is attributed to the large single-vehicle battery capacity required by heavy-duty vehicles and the expected battery replacement needed within the lifetime of heavy-duty vehicles. We suggest that the ambition of mass electrification in the heavy-duty segment should be treated with cautions for both policy makers and entrepreneurs.

Date: 2019
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-13400-1

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