Mapping Trade-Offs to Help Build Better EV Batteries

Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed a comprehensive framework to help stakeholders navigate the complex economic, environmental, and social trade-offs inherent in electric vehicle battery life cycles. By aligning the goals of manufacturers, policymakers, and consumers, the framework aims to accelerate the transition from internal combustion engines to more sustainable transportation. This tool is critical for the EV sector as it provides a holistic view of battery development, from raw material sourcing to end-of-life recycling.

Senior author Greg Keoleian of the U-M School for Environment and Sustainability and his team published the study in the Journal of Energy Storage to address the complex puzzle of industry competition and environmental benefit. The framework incorporates input from academia, government, and major industry players to help battery and vehicle manufacturers anticipate the consequences of their technical and strategic choices. While the researchers acknowledge challenges such as the mature infrastructure of the oil-supported internal combustion engine market, they emphasize that EVs offer superior performance, lower maintenance, and the lowest total cost of ownership.

The study highlights specific trade-offs between current battery chemistries, such as Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) and Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC). LFP batteries, which dominate the Chinese market where over 60% of new car sales are electric, are significantly less expensive because they exclude costly cobalt and nickel. However, LFP cells require more mass to achieve the same charge storage as NMC, resulting in a shorter driving range. Furthermore, the absence of valuable metals in LFP batteries reduces the economic incentive for recycling compared to NMC chemistries, which could impact long-term sustainability goals.

To bridge these gaps, American automakers including Ford and General Motors are exploring Lithium Manganese-Rich (LMR) batteries, which aim to combine the affordability of LFP with the high energy density and range of NMC. The research, funded by the Responsible Battery Coalition, involved collaboration with experts from Ford Motor Co., GM, Toyota, Dow Chemicals, the U.S. EPA, and battery manufacturer Clarios. This cross-sector approach ensures the framework accounts for upstream mining issues and downstream recycling challenges, preventing stakeholders from making isolated improvements that might cause problems elsewhere in the supply chain.