The growth of electromobility is impossible without copper!

The rapid development of electromobility would not be possible without several key raw materials, among which copper stands out as one of the most important. But why is this the case, and how is copper utilised in popular electric vehicles?

The Rapid Growth of Electromobility

Electric vehicles (EVs) are increasingly visible on roads both in Poland and globally. In the first half of 2024 alone, the number of EVs in Poland increased by over 12,000, marking a 7% improvement compared to the same period the previous year². Additionally, the number of public charging stations, crucial to the growth of electromobility, is on the rise. By the end of June 2024, there were 7,255³ such stations across Poland, with more being added each month.

The global figures related to electromobility are even more impressive. By the end of 2023, the total number of electric vehicles on the road exceeded 40 million, with over 14 million new EVs hitting the streets that year alone. Currently, electric vehicles account for a substantial 16% of all vehicles sold worldwide⁴.

What drives this popularity? Primarily, the lower operating costs, reliability, and eco-friendliness of electric cars align with the principles of sustainable development. As more people recognise these advantages, the demand for EVs continues to grow.

Copper's Role in the E-Mobility Sector

The increasing number of electric vehicles correlates with a rising demand for the raw materials essential for their production. These include cobalt, lithium, nickel, and, importantly, copper. The use of copper is particularly critical to the development of electromobility due to several of its properties:

• High Electrical Conductivity: Often referred to as “red gold,” copper boasts one of the highest electrical conductivities among all metals, making it ideal for conducting electricity in electric vehicles. It is commonly used in power cables, motor windings, and more.
• Energy Efficiency: Copper's low resistance allows for efficient transmission of electrical energy with minimal losses, which is crucial in EVs where optimising power consumption directly impacts performance and range.
• Exceptional Durability: Copper is highly resistant to mechanical damage and corrosion, ensuring reliability over many years, even under the most challenging conditions (e.g., vibrations, temperature fluctuations, and constant exposure to moisture).
• High malleability: This property allows copper to be easily shaped into thin wires or complex components with irregular shapes, which are integral to the electrical and cooling systems of vehicles.

These attributes make copper indispensable in the construction of electric vehicles, underscoring its importance to both global and Polish electromobility. For instance, according to data from the Copper Development Association Inc. and the International Energy Agency, copper content in various vehicles is as follows:

• Conventional vehicles: 8–22 kg of copper
• Hybrid vehicles: 39 kg of copper
• Electric vehicles: 83 kg of copper

Electric buses, increasingly popular alongside other electric vehicles in public service fleets, hold the record for copper usage. These vehicles are crucial to urban mobility, emitting no pollutants and generating significantly less noise than traditional combustion vehicles, thereby improving urban life quality.

Moreover, electric boats and micromobility vehicles like electric bikes, scooters, and even snowboards are gaining traction. More on this later in the article.

Copper Usage in Electric Vehicles

As highlighted earlier, copper is a key component in electric motors, inverters, and wiring. It is also used in batteries, energy storage systems, onboard electronics, and cooling systems. Furthermore, copper's unique properties extend beyond the vehicles themselves; it plays a crucial role in the construction of chargers, including public charging stations. Copper is vital for the efficient transfer of electricity from the battery to the motor and for managing the charging and discharging of cells, enabling fast and efficient battery recharging.

Electromobility: More Than Just Passenger Cars

Electromobility encompasses far more than passenger vehicles – it includes a range of vehicles and solutions designed to reduce emissions, protect the environment, and improve quality of life both in cities and beyond.

• Electric buses: These are a prominent example of electromobility in public spaces. Many cities worldwide, including in Poland, are investing in zero-emission bus fleets. These vehicles do not emit exhaust gases, significantly improving air quality in cities and reducing noise pollution.
• Public Service Vehicles: Electric vehicles are also increasingly used by various public services. Police, fire departments, and even municipal services are beginning to use specialised electric vehicles. For example, electric police cars in Norway and electric garbage trucks in cities like Amsterdam and Paris operate quietly and emission-free.
• Logistics and Warehousing: In logistics, electric forklifts and cargo vehicles are becoming more common in warehouses. Logistics and courier companies are also investing in electric trucks.
• Electric Boats and Ships: Electric boats and yachts are becoming more prevalent, especially in environmentally protected areas like national parks. There are also projects for electric ferries, such as in Norway, where an electric ferry transports hundreds of passengers across the fjords daily. The electrification of water transport is another step towards reducing global CO2 emissions.
• Micromobility: Electric bikes, scooters, and boards are increasingly popular in cities worldwide, offering a fast, convenient, and eco-friendly way to travel short distances.
• Electric Trains: Electric trains, which have long been the backbone of public transport in many countries, cannot be overlooked. High-speed trains like Japan's Shinkansen or Europe's TGV are examples of how electromobility can revolutionise long-distance travel.

Electris: Supporting the Growth of Electromobility and Ecology

As electromobility advances, the demand for copper continues to grow. At Electris, we optimise the use of this metal by implementing innovative solutions such as the lamination of copper components, galvanizing technology, epoxy painting of copper and aluminium alloy parts, and many others.

What does this mean for the e-mobility industry? The ability to order components that are integral to the production of electric vehicles, battery packs, and charging stations, such as dedicated busbars, connectors, and more. In doing so, we support not only the development of e-mobility but also uphold ecological principles by optimising production processes, eliminating wastewater and harmful noise, and minimising waste.

If you would like to request a quote for components tailored to your company and products, please contact us at: sales@electris.pl.

Źródła:

¹ https://www.pap.pl/aktualnosci/liczba-samochodow-elektrycznych-rosnie-szybciej-niz-rok-temu
² https://www.pap.pl/aktualnosci/liczba-samochodow-elektrycznych-rosnie-szybciej-niz-rok-temu
³ https://www.rynekelektryczny.pl/infrastruktura-ladowania-pojazdow-elektrycznych/
⁴ https://mycompanypolska.pl/artykul/liczba-samochodow-elektrycznych-na-drogach-rosnie-szybciej-niz-prognozowano/15120