Making EV Batteries Is A Disaster For Human Rights
Automakers have come under scrutiny following Amnesty International's "Recharge for Rights" report, which assesses human rights practices in electric vehicle supply chains.
In particular, the study highlights significant deficiencies in BYD’s transparency regarding its material sourcing, ranking it at the bottom of a 13-automaker list with a score of just 11 out of 90 points. Mitsubishi and Hyundai also ranked poorly, scoring 13 and 21 points respectively, hammering home broader concerns about the EV industry’s approach to human rights.
According to the study, not even top-ranked Mercedes, with a score of 51, is doing enough to satisfy the ethical criteria, Amnesty International suggests only a total of 68 points or more shows an adequate commitment to human rights issues.
The Amnesty International report critiques the lack of accountability in mineral supply chains, particularly for cobalt, lithium, and nickel—key components in EV batteries. Mining practices, especially in regions like the Democratic Republic of Congo, where 25% of the world’s cobalt originates, pose serious risks to workers, including child labor and unsafe conditions.
BYD’s refusal to disclose details about its sourcing and smelting practices was a central reason for its low ranking. It was not alone in this regard, as Geely, Hyundai, Mitsubishi, and General Motors all failed to provide sufficient supply-chain mapping. In contrast, Mercedes was noted for its supply-chain transparency and sourcing practices.
While EVs offer environmental benefits by reducing tailpipe emissions, the process of mining and refining battery minerals raises critical ethical concerns and fuels a growing paradox surrounding the exportation of tailpipe emissions—out of sight, out of mind—amiright.
Automakers are increasingly under pressure to address these issues, especially as regulations tighten. The European Union’s Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive, implemented earlier this year, imposes steep penalties on companies failing to meet supply chain welfare standards.
Though Amnesty International acknowledges that transparency requirements tied to EV tax credits have driven some improvements, it is clear that many automakers still have work to do.
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An experienced automotive storyteller and accomplished photographer known for engaging and insightful content. Michael also brings a wealth of technical knowledge—he was part of the Ford GT program at Multimatic, oversaw a fleet of Audi TCR race cars, ziptied Lamborghini Super Trofeo cars back together, been over the wall during the Rolex 24, and worked in the intense world of IndyCar.
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Yes, Michael Accardi is correct in reporting that exploration, mining, and producing EV batteries seems a human rights problem. What the article ignores, though, is that exploration, mining, and producing petroleum also has significant human rights problems. The control of battery supply chains by certain countries also has problems ... but perhaps not nearly as much as petroleum supply chain control by countries that have rather dubious (at best) human rights records. We all might be able to help: if you don't like the human rights problems of energy production, consider reducing your consumption.