![Picture Steemit SteemLeo World Finance.jpg](https://i.imgur.com/slD6FOA.jpg)

Lithium-ion batteries are the most common type of battery used in electric vehicles (EVs). While EVs have a number of environmental benefits compared to gasoline-powered vehicles, the production of lithium-ion batteries does have a carbon footprint that should be taken into account. Here's a look at the carbon footprint of lithium-ion battery-based EVs from the mining of lithium until the building of the car:

1. Mining lithium. Lithium is a soft, silver-white metal that is found in underground deposits of rocks and minerals. It is most commonly mined in Chile, Argentina, and China. The mining process involves extracting the lithium from the ore, which can be a water-intensive process. In some cases, the water used in the mining process is taken from nearby sources, which can lead to water scarcity in the surrounding area. Additionally, the mining process generates waste materials that can have a negative impact on the environment if not properly disposed of.

2. Processing lithium. After the lithium is mined, it must be processed to remove impurities and create a usable form of the metal. This process involves heating the lithium ore to high temperatures and using chemicals to extract the pure lithium. The chemicals used in this process can be hazardous and must be carefully managed to avoid environmental contamination.

3. Transporting lithium. Lithium is transported from the mining site to the processing facility, and then from the processing facility to the battery manufacturing plant. The transportation of lithium involves the use of fossil fuels, which generates greenhouse gas emissions.

4. Manufacturing lithium-ion batteries. The production of lithium-ion batteries involves a number of steps, including the creation of the cathode, anode, and electrolyte, and the assembly of the battery cells. Each of these steps requires the use of energy and generates greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, the production of lithium-ion batteries generates waste materials, including hazardous chemicals that must be properly disposed of to avoid environmental contamination.

5. Building the electric vehicle. Once the lithium-ion batteries have been manufactured, they are shipped to the EV production facility where they are assembled into the final product. The production of the EV itself also involves the use of energy and generates greenhouse gas emissions.

Overall, the carbon footprint of lithium-ion battery-based EVs is significant, particularly when it comes to the mining and processing of lithium. However, it's important to note that  improvements in battery production technology and recycling efforts can help to reduce the carbon footprint of EVs over time.



###### This post is intended to only raise awareness. In order to make actual financial decisions please contact your financial advisor and/or tax advisor prior to making the decision.