In a study published last week, the non-governmental organization WWF warns of the potentially devastating consequences of the uncontrolled growth of electric cars in France.

According to the organization, the ecological transition, although dependent on electric vehicles, is threatened by their increasing size, in particular SUVs, currently accounts for 41% of e-car sales.

More, and therefore tastier

An electric SUV requires up to three times the copper and aluminum and up to five times the lithium, nickel and cobalt of a small electric city car. However, these metals are considered “critical” because of their important role in the energy transition, even though their abundance is limited.

Jean Bourcard, director of conservation at WWF France, notes that this increased demand could increase demand for rare metals 30-fold over the next 20 years. Since these metals are rarely produced in France, this exposes the country to geostrategic risks. In the event of a shortage, a difficult choice will have to be made between maintaining the production of electric cars, wind turbines or power grids.

WWF’s study explores three possible scenarios: the status quo, an intermediate approach based on current policy, and finally a “sobriety” scenario involving more proactive policies to reduce the size of vehicles. Without a strong commitment, French demand for critical metals may exceed its economic weight by 5-15%.

Taxes on some electric cars soon?

On the other hand, by implementing policies to reduce the size of the vehicle, demand can be 25% below the economic weight, opening up the possibility of exporting metals such as lithium. The latter, the price of which has increased significantly, is the main asset for France’s trade balance.

To remedy this situation, the World Wildlife Fund is calling on the government to urgently introduce a certain weight for electric vehicles, by maintaining the environmental bonus for electric vehicles weighing up to 1.6 tons, unlike the current 2.4 tons. The NGO also proposes obliging manufacturers to publish the average weight of registered electric cars annually, while proposing a European fine of five euros per kilogram above the 1.6 tonne threshold.

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