Part 2/10:
While EVs are celebrated for their low emissions during use, studies show that their manufacturing process is energy-intensive and initially produces more carbon emissions than conventional vehicles. The production of EV batteries, in particular, stands out as a significant contributor to this carbon footprint. This is largely due to the extraction and processing of rare earth materials such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel, which are essential components of lithium-ion batteries.
Mining these materials is a resource-heavy process that generates considerable CO₂ emissions. Moreover, the environmental footprint extends beyond manufacturing; the question of battery disposal or recycling at the end of an EV’s life cycle remains a pressing concern.