Hybrid Vehicles as a Viable Solution to Copper Shortages in Global Electrification Efforts

A new study by the International Energy Forum highlights the unrealistic copper production needed to electrify the global vehicle fleet by 2050 for net-zero emissions. Even without considering the energy transition, the world must mine 115% more copper than previously mined before 2018. Electrification would demand an additional 55% more new copper mines by 2050. The study, co-authored by Dr. Lawrence Cathles from Cornell University and Dr. Adam Simon from the University of Michigan, shows that current copper production rates cannot meet EV demands. The net-zero scenario requires 194 new mines, while the baseline scenario needs 35. Historically, new mines took an average of 23 years to become operational.

The report suggests targeting 100% hybrid vehicle production by 2035 as a more achievable goal. Hybrids require slightly more copper than internal combustion engine vehicles, unlike EVs, which demand significantly more. Transitioning to hybrids would avoid major grid improvements and better balance copper demand and mining pressures. The study emphasizes that while there are ample copper resources, the challenge lies in mining them quickly enough to meet both baseline development and electrification needs.

Read full Report: Here