As baterias dos veículos elétricos e o esgotamento mineral: implicações ambientais e de sustentabilidade

Abstract

The growing global energy demand and the need to reduce pollutant emissions have driven the expansion of electric vehicles as a key strategy for the energy transition. This study aims to analyze, through a systematic literature review, the environmental impacts and mineral depletion associated with electric vehicle batteries, considering technological factors, supply chains, recycling processes, and the principles of circular economy. The methodology involved selecting and comparatively analyzing scientific and institutional sources addressing electric mobility, environmental quality, critical mineral resources, and sustainability practices. The results indicate that, although electric vehicles significantly reduce emissions during use, the production and life cycle of their batteries rely on critical minerals, such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel, whose extraction is linked to socio-environmental and geopolitical risks. The analysis also identified limitations in current recycling processes, material availability challenges, and the need for broader implementation of circular economy strategies. It is concluded that the sustainability of electric vehicle batteries depends not only on emission mitigation, but also on technological advancements, improved management of mineral resources, and the expansion of recycling chains, in order to ensure long-term energy security, environmental quality, and material availability.