Cell & Pack Manufacturing

Key Drivers of Battery Manufacturing Emissions Battery production emissions arise from multiple stages of the value chain, with contributions varying significantly by materials, processes, energy sources, and geography. Value-Chain Driver

What Contributes to Emissions

Raw-Material Extraction and Refining

Mining and refining of lithium, nickel, cobalt, manganese, and graphite are energy-intensive and generate significant GHG emissions. Emissions vary widely by ore type, location, and processing technology.

EnergyIntensive Material Manufacturing

Cathode and anode active-material production involves prolonged high-temperature processing, making these steps among the most energy-intensive in the battery value chain.

Cell Manufacturing Processes

Cell manufacturing adds emissions through thermal and drying processes, particularly electrode drying and other heat-based operations.

Carbon Intensity of Electricity

The emissions footprint depends strongly on whether production is powered by renewable electricity or fossil-fuel-based grids. Electricity source is a primary driver of variability in emissions per kWh.

Geography and Value-Chain Configuration

Battery production is concentrated in regions with differing grid carbon intensities, leading to large regional differences. Battery chemistry, supplier choices, and transportation routes further influence embedded emissions.

Source: McKinsey 1

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