New Leaderboard Shows EV Makers Can Step Up. But Will They?

Today Lead the Charge unveiled its third annual Auto Supply Chain Leaderboard, ranking 18 global automakers based on their efforts to build equitable, sustainable, and fossil-free supply chains as they transition to electric vehicles. This year’s analysis finds that, despite achievements in some areas by some automakers, the industry overall is making slow and inadequate progress on cleaning up its supply chains.

Below is a statement from Ellen Moore, Interim Mining Program Co-Director at Earthworks.

“Although some automakers have strong policies and commitments, all are falling short when it comes to implementing them. It’s time for automakers to walk the talk and live up to their promise to be leaders in a just transition to cleaner energy. 

“The path forward is clear. More than half of the Leaderboard’s indicators are fully met by at least one company. Automakers should learn from each other and adopt best practices in each indicator area.

“From broad mobilizations in Panama against destructive copper mining to organizing against a lithium mine in Nevada that would desecrate a site sacred to the Western Shoshone Nation, communities affected by mining for electric vehicle batteries and parts are calling for their rights to be respected. 

“As demand grows, the need for more equitable and sustainable auto supply chains is urgent. Meaningful progress towards equitable supply chains, more responsible mining, and a just transition is necessary, and it’s possible.”