Sustainability

Highest impact on sustainability since market introduction of EVs

EV batteries and engine materials: 70% reduction
with vybric is the key to sustainability!

Individual EVs – also as ICE are 95% of their time unused. What a waste. The multiple usage of the drive and battery unit is the solution to highest impact to sustainability. This is a giant leap in achieving more value through EVs. Not only the massive amount of material reduction also the recycling is much more efficient.

It is in our hands.

„As business leaders, we have a profound responsibility to shape a sustainable future. Our pursuit of profit must be balanced with ethical stewardship of our planet’s resources. Take cobalt, for instance. It’s crucial for our technology, but its extraction often comes at a terrible human and environmental cost. We cannot turn a blind eye to this. It’s our moral imperative to invest in responsible sourcing, to innovate in recycling technologies, and to push for transparency in our supply chains. The true measure of our success isn’t just in our bottom line, but in how we’ve contributed to a more sustainable and equitable world. Let’s not be remembered as those who exploited the Earth, but as those who championed its preservation.“

Guido Rasch Founder & CEO

From 5 to 70 %

vybric leads to the most impact on reduction in every raw materials which are used in EVs. It also reduces the cost of ownsership, making urban mobility accessible for more people without harming the worlds ressources.

Lithium

  • Limited supply: While lithium is relatively abundant in the Earth’s crust, economically viable deposits are concentrated in a few regions. This limited supply can lead to potential shortages and price volatility as demand increases.
  • Environmental impact of mining: Lithium extraction, particularly from brine deposits, can have significant environmental consequences:
    • High water consumption in arid regions
    • Potential soil and water pollution
    • Disruption of local ecosystems
  • Geopolitical concerns: The majority of lithium reserves are found in a small number of countries, primarily Chile, Australia, Argentina, and China. This concentration can lead to geopolitical tensions and supply chain vulnerabilities.
  • Recycling challenges: While lithium-ion batteries can be recycled, the process is complex and expensive. Improving recycling technologies and infrastructure is crucial for sustainability.
  • Safety issues: Lithium-ion batteries can pose safety risks, including the potential for thermal runaway and fires, especially if damaged or improperly managed.
  • Performance limitations: While lithium-ion batteries have improved significantly, they still face challenges in energy density, charging speed, and performance in extreme temperatures.
  • Cost: Although prices have decreased, lithium-ion batteries remain a significant portion of an EV’s total cost, affecting affordability and mass adoption.
  • Ethical concerns: Some lithium mining operations have been associated with poor working conditions and exploitation of local communities.

Cobalt

  • Limited supply and high cost: Cobalt is a relatively rare element, with limited known reserves. As demand for electric vehicles grows, there are concerns about potential supply shortages, leading to price volatility and increased costs for battery production.
  • Geopolitical concentration: A significant portion of the world’s cobalt reserves (over 50%) is located in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This concentration in one country raises concerns about supply chain stability and geopolitical risks.
  • Ethical and human rights issues: Mining practices in the DRC have been associated with severe human rights abuses, including child labor, unsafe working conditions, and environmental damage. This has led to calls for more ethical and sustainable sourcing practices.
  • Environmental impact: Cobalt mining can have significant environmental consequences, including soil erosion, water pollution, and habitat destruction. The extraction process is often energy-intensive and can contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Toxicity: Cobalt is toxic if inhaled or ingested in large quantities, posing potential health risks to workers involved in mining and battery production.
  • Recycling challenges: While cobalt can be recycled from batteries, the process is complex and expensive, making it challenging to establish efficient recycling systems at scale.
  • Performance trade-offs: While cobalt helps improve battery performance and energy density, its use can also contribute to thermal runaway risks in certain battery chemistries.

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Nickle

  • Environmental impact: Nickel mining and processing can cause significant environmental damage, including soil erosion, water pollution, and deforestation.
  • Health concerns: Nickel mining and refining can release harmful pollutants, potentially affecting workers and nearby communities.
  • Supply chain issues: While more abundant than cobalt, there are concerns about meeting the rapidly growing demand for nickel in EV batteries.
  • Price volatility: Increasing demand and supply constraints can lead to price fluctuations.

Manganese

  • Environmental concerns: Manganese mining can lead to water pollution and soil contamination if not properly managed.
  • Health risks: Prolonged exposure to manganese dust can cause neurological problems, known as „manganism.“
  • Limited high-grade deposits: While manganese is relatively abundant, high-grade deposits suitable for battery production are less common.
  • Processing challenges: Refining manganese to battery-grade quality can be energy-intensive and costly.

Graphite

  • Environmental impact: Graphite mining and processing can lead to air and water pollution, particularly in countries with less stringent environmental regulations.
  • Supply chain concentration: China currently dominates the global graphite supply, raising concerns about supply chain resilience and geopolitical risks.
  • Synthetic graphite costs: While synthetic graphite can be produced to reduce reliance on mining, it is generally more expensive and energy-intensive to manufacture.
  • Purification process: Refining graphite to battery-grade quality often involves using strong chemicals, which can have environmental implications if not properly managed.
  • Dust concerns: Graphite dust can be harmful if inhaled in large quantities, posing potential health risks in mining and processing facilities.