The race towards a petrol-free future has long been championed by the use of lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles (EVs). However, recent investigations have shed light on the dark side of these batteries, revealing their damaging impact on both the environment and human rights.
Mining operations in regions like the Atacama desert in Chile and Argentina have extracted billions of dollars worth of lithium, severely affecting indigenous communities. In China, graphite production for lithium-ion batteries has resulted in significant pollution. To make matters worse, the extraction of lithium requires an alarming 1.9 million litres of water per tonne, further straining already scarce resources in dry regions like South America.
As calls for a clean electrified economy grow louder, the existing production capacity for lithium falls short of the demand. This has prompted a search for more sustainable alternatives, leading to the emergence of sodium-ion batteries as a potential solution. These batteries, which use sodium instead of lithium, offer greater environmental benefits and cost-effectiveness.
Countries like Germany, China, and Australia are already exploring the potential of sodium-ion batteries for EVs, with promising results. The shift towards sodium-ion technology could not only reduce our reliance on environmentally harmful resources but also drive innovation in the renewable energy sector. As the world looks towards a greener future, investing in research and development of alternative battery technologies will be crucial for the continued growth of the EV market and the sustainability of our planet.
