The Influence of BEV Efficiency on US Mineral Needs & Circularity

This model was used in the analysis for the paper entitled \"The Influence of BEV Efficiency on US Mineral Needs & Circularity\". Abstract for the paper is below: Mineral demand projections demonstrate the US will need drastically more minerals to electrify the US passenger-vehicle fleet. Our review of battery electric vehicle (BEV) efficiency and range shows that since 2018, average efficiency has decreased while range has increased. Automaker decisions regarding BEV efficiency (kWh/mile) and range (miles) will profoundly impact the amount of minerals needed to electrify, and this becomes more important as BEV range and battery size increase. For example, if a fleet in 2035 has an average range of 300 miles and the average efficiency of the Ford F150 (0.5 kWh/mile), it will require over 100,000 metric tons more lithium than if the fleet has the average efficiency of the Chevy Bolt (0.3 kWh/mile). Policy and regulations have been used to increase efficiency and reduce emissions of gasoline-powered cars. As BEVs begin to acquire vehicle market share, similar vehicle standards should be considered to reduce overall mineral needs.