To assess the environmental impact of batteries, it is necessary to take into account the rare and partly at-risk resources (lead, lithium, etc.) consumed, their origins and the mix of electricity used in the production of the batteries.
Lithium-ion batteries are made of cobalt, nickel, copper, aluminium and lithium, as well as other materials. Among these materials, the availability of lithium in particular is a hot topic. Over the short term, reserves are sufficient to guarantee the manufacture of the batteries; nevertheless, it will be necessary to improve the recycling capacity of lithium to ensure supply over the medium term.
Analysis of the environmental impact of these batteries is currently a major topic of research. Although there have already been positive developments in terms of cost effectiveness, performance and the environmental impact of batteries, they are still under intense development and significant progress is expected in the near future.