Electric vehicle technology is highly dependent on copper. Its copper demand is expected to increase from 18.5 million tons in 2017 to 1.74 million tons in 2027. Copper is used in many key components of electric vehicles, such as batteries, motors, charging stations, and supporting facilities. In addition, the more advanced electric vehicle technology, the greater the demand for copper. Internal combustion engines typically use 23 kilograms of copper, hybrid electric cars use 40 kilograms of copper, plug-in hybrid cars use 60 kilograms of copper, and pure battery-powered electric cars require as much as 83 kilograms of copper.
