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A regular electric car requires six times the mineral inputs of a conventional car (I/C engine) according to an estimate by the International Energy Agency.

The sales of electric cars jumped by 40% in 2020 despite the supply disruptions due to the pandemic. The transition towards clean energy remains susceptible to disruptions due to the complexity in the supply chains. For example, Peru produces almost 12% of global copper which almost came to a halt due to the restrictions in 2020. South Africa and the D.R Congo are responsible for some 70% of the global production of platinum and cobalt respectively, and this concentration of key elements makes the continuous supply more vulnerable.

China on the other hand accounted for 60% of global REE (Rare Earth Elements) production in 2019 and refines around 35% of the Nickel, 50-70% of lithium and cobalt.

According to IEA, the need for these minerals could increase by as much as six times by 2040 and with a handful of countries controlling these minerals, any new regulation or disruption could jeopardise the production all around the world.

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