Making lithium batteries produces more CO2 than they save

Myth:

The manufacture of lithium batteries produces more greenhouse gases than the batteries save during their lifetime. Hence the move to renewables is futile. 

Fact:

A recent study by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) showed that the greenhouse gas emissions resulting from the manufacture of lithium batteries are offset after 6 to 18 months of battery use. Given that such batteries currently have a lifespan of about fifteen years, this represents a huge saving in emissions. 

A pair of lithium-ion batteries. [Source: Wikimedia Commons]

Sources:

Leopold Peiseler et al, “Carbon footprint distributions of lithium-ion batteries and their materials,” Nature Communications, 27/11/24.

“How much CO₂ is emitted by manufacturing batteries?” MIT Climate Portal, 8/8/25. https://climate.mit.edu/ask-mit/how-much-co2-emitted-manufacturing-batteries

Adam Zewe, “For most US drivers, EVs offer emissions benefits and cost savings,” MIT News, 12/5/26

Sarah DeWeerdt, “A landmark MIT study debunks persistent myths about electric vehicles,” Anthropocene Magazine, 26/5/26