Transition vers les véhicules électrique: enjeux et risques à la chaîne logistique

Abstract

Following the European Union legislation stating that it will no longer be possible to sell new internal combustion engine vehicles from 2030–2035, and that no CO₂ emitting vehicles should be in circulation by 2050, it is essential to analyze the sustainability of the electric vehicle life cycle. This analysis is divided into five stages: the production of raw materials, vehicle purchase, electricity supply, infrastructure needed for the transition, and the second life or recycling of vehicles.

This current topic concerns all citizens of the world, as this transition has global impacts. The extraction of raw materials mainly takes place in Asia, Africa, and South America. Battery production and refining are predominantly carried out in China, battery second life is developing in Eastern Europe and North Africa, while the primary use of electric vehicles is concentrated in Europe. It is therefore a global issue, which justifies the implementation of a quantitative survey to better understand public opinion and knowledge regarding this transition. The results show that the economic aspect is the main factor influencing the decision to switch or not to an electric vehicle.

In addition to this accessible survey, interviews were conducted with industry experts, including in the fields of electricity and recycling in Belgium, as well as with a global expert on the topic, in order to gain a comprehensive perspective.

The analyses carried out and the interviews conducted lead us to the conclusion that this transition is not sustainable at any of the five stages of the life cycle. At no point are the three pillars of sustainability, environmental, social, and economic simultaneously respected in any of these stages.