The transport sector is responsible for
almost a quarter of direct greenhouse gas emissions, and limiting global warming to 1.5°C will require a rapid reduction of emissions from the sector. Electrifying transport systems will be a crucial step in the process, in which electric vehicles (EVs) will play an important role, with recent technological advancements offer an opportunity to replace fossil fuels by electric systems in all transport sectors. Electrification of the transport sector can also bring benefits in terms of increased energy efficiency and reduced local pollution. But there are also issues related to a larger EV fleet, for example increased resource extraction for certain elements crucial in battery production, the energy mix used to charge the cars may or may not be renewable, affordability and infrastructure challenges. Extraction of some of these material resources are linked to significant environmental impacts as well as social and ethical issues.
The Future of Electric Vehicles and Material Resources: A Foresight Brief was developed by the UNU/UNITAR-SCYCLE Programme and UNEP-IETC. It 
provides a snapshot of the recent developments in the EV sector. It highlights major challenges and opportunities in the mainstreaming of EVs and in ensuring a sustainable supply of material resources with with a focus on the end-of-life (EoL) management of EV batteries. The Foresight Brief also provides an overview of recent policy developments concerning the promotion of EVs and the management of EoL batteries. Finally, it offers policy recommendations for ensuring the long-term resource sustainability.
You can download the full report from here
For more information, please contact
UNEP IETC (ietc[at]un.org)
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