Reviewed by Lexie CornerJan 20 2025
A recent study published in PLOS Sustainability and Transformation highlights that the weight of lithium-ion batteries in popular electric vehicle (EV) models has increased by 68 % over the past five years. The study suggests that public policy should encourage consumers to opt for smaller EVs to address this trend.
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The growing size and popularity of EVs have led to larger batteries designed to improve performance and range. However, these larger batteries may undermine efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The average battery weight in the top ten EV models on the market is 595 kg (1,311 pounds). The GMC Hummer EV, with a battery weight of 1,326 kg (2,923 pounds), is heavier than many conventional vehicles, including the Fiat 500e electric vehicle.
The study notes that the combined weight of the top ten EVs sold in the United States in 2023 is approximately 1.5 times that of the Golden Gate Bridge. This substantial mass, combined with current limitations in recycling technology, poses challenges for hazardous waste management and future processing of battery waste.
Additionally, the study reports that the CO2 emissions associated with the production of larger EVs, including mineral processing, manufacturing, and assembly, are 70 % higher than those of smaller EVs. Larger EVs also require about 75% more critical minerals for production. This increased demand for materials and energy could slow efforts to decarbonize the electricity grid.
The trend toward larger vehicles and batteries is offsetting the environmental benefits of EVs. Unlike common materials such as paper, aluminum, or glass, there is no economically viable model for fully recycling lithium-ion batteries into new ones, adding to the challenge of managing their environmental impact.
Not all EVs are making a positive contribution to environmental sustainability and we need to better inform consumers to select vehicles that actually reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Perry Gottesfeld, Study Author and Executive Director, Occupational Knowledge International
The study concludes that to lower carbon emissions and produce benefits for environmental sustainability, consumers must be encouraged to purchase smaller EVs through better public policy, incentives, and messaging. Government subsidies and tax incentives should be more effectively structured to consider greenhouse gas emissions across the entire vehicle lifecycle.
Learn More: How Sustainable are Electric Vehicles?
Journal Reference:
Gottesfeld, P. (2025) Super-sized electric vehicles (EVs) will not solve the climate crisis. PLOS Sustainability and Transformation. doi.org/10.1371/journal.pstr.0000159