In June, Tesla launched its 2019 Influence Report, which outlines its dedication to responsibly sourcing the supplies utilized in its battery cells. Within the report, Tesla said that it will not be prepared to acquire supplies from mines and entities who had been utilizing immoral mining practices, together with baby labor. By way of due diligence practices, Tesla can supply its supplies from corporations that abide by the automaker’s needs. It seems that different automobile producers are adopting the identical strategies because the Elon Musk-headed firm.
Mercedes-Benz has introduced that it’ll start sourcing cobalt and lithium from mining websites licensed in training ethical mining strategies. Whereas EVs are zero-emissions autos, the complete provide chain should comply with the lead as a lot as potential to substantiate the product is as eco-friendly as potential.
A CNET report states that Mercedes-Benz received’t be pulling out of “high-risk” nations to make sure that its supplies are secure and pleasant to the atmosphere. As a substitute, the corporate will work with organizations to enhance the infrastructure of some mining amenities. As a substitute of leaving the websites, which might then proceed their practices, Mercedes will work to enhance the state of affairs at every web site by using the “Customary for Accountable Mining” of the “Initiative for Accountable Mining Assurance.” Solely after making an attempt to implement these strategies with out success will the German automaker select to exit a selected location.
Markus Schäfer, who sits on Daimler’s Board, said, “Going ahead, we are going to solely work with suppliers who comply with adjust to these necessities. By doing so, we’re paving the best way for clear uncooked supplies, from which different individuals out there can even profit.”
Curiously, Mercedes additionally has an identical battery technique to Tesla relating to what supplies can be included in future cells. Cobalt, which is among the many most controversial of supplies, is expected to be omitted from Tesla’s cells sooner or later. Due to cobalt’s skill to supply cell stability and improve the accessible vary, it’s an interesting steel to incorporate in EV batteries. Nonetheless, it’s mostly discovered within the mines the place baby labor and harsh work circumstances are utilized for reasonable prices. Mercedes additionally plans to do away with cobalt in its cells sooner or later to get rid of the potential for acquiring any of the steel from immorally-obtained sources.
Mercedes has failed to realize a lot momentum within the EV sector with its EQC, which had lower than favorable gross sales figures earlier this 12 months. Nonetheless, the EQS was noticed testing against the Model S and Model 3 not too long ago, maybe hinting that the automaker has admitted Tesla’s industry-leading tech is price gaining inspiration from.