BYD, other EV battery firms urged to cut emissions

Greenpeace is urging EV battery manufacturers like BYD Co. and EVE Energy Co. to adopt renewable energy and cut emissions in their supply chains.

This follows a report reviewing the climate policies of ten major lithium-ion battery producers.

The report found that seven companies lack clear goals for renewable energy adoption and reducing suppliers’ climate impacts.

“Electricity use and raw material sourcing are the two largest drivers of emissions in battery manufacturing,” said Erin Choi, a Greenpeace East Asia campaigner.

Many production facilities are located in regions like China and Poland, where power grids still rely heavily on fossil fuels.

Greenpeace stressed the need for access to green power, specific emissions targets for suppliers, and improved transparency in climate data.

BYD and EVE Energy did not respond to requests for comment.

🔗 Source: Bloomberg

🧠 Food for thought

1️⃣ Battery production dominates EV carbon footprints despite green marketing

Battery manufacturing represents 40-60% of total emissions from electric vehicles, explaining why environmental groups are pressuring manufacturers to clean up their production 1.

Manufacturing a standard 75 kWh EV battery alone emits over 7 tons of CO2, creating a significant carbon debt before the vehicle even reaches consumers 1.

Nearly 40% of an EV’s total lifecycle emissions come from battery production, highlighting why Greenpeace is targeting this specific part of the supply chain 2.

While EVs eventually offset their higher manufacturing emissions through cleaner operation, the industry faces a credibility gap when claiming environmental benefits without addressing production emissions.

The pressure on companies like BYD comes as more consumers and regulators scrutinize whether EVs truly deliver their promised environmental benefits, especially when batteries are manufactured in regions heavily dependent on coal-powered electricity.