A massive shift to electric vehicles is underway among consumers and companies with large fleets for rentals, delivery, and other services.
The shift is driven by a push to reduce tailpipe pollution and slow climate change. But that doesn’t mean electric vehicle makers don’t have their own set of climate and social challenges.
EV batteries are made with metals such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel, most of which are mined and processed outside the US in countries like China and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Demand for these metals could jump sixfold by 2040, according to the International Energy Agency.
“Traceability is the best means to transparency and to understanding one’s social and environmental impact,” Costa said during an Insider event moderated by Catherine Boudreau, senior sustainability reporter. The event was part of Insider’s series Climate Heroes 2022: Working Toward Solutions; it featured leaders across industries who are working to address the climate crisis.
Companies should also collaborate with local labor, environmental, and human rights groups and mining companies to meet certain standards, Costa added.
Ensuring these metals are sourced responsibly is a major task for Anisa Kamadoli Costa, who was named Rivian’s chief sustainability officer in April and is among Insider’s Climate Action 30 leaders.
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