New human rights ranking of electric vehicle industry
- A recent report from Amnesty International reveals widespread failures in human rights practices among major electric vehicle manufacturers.
- Companies such as BYD, Mitsubishi, and Hyundai scored poorly in the evaluation, indicating a lack of effective measures to address human rights risks in their supply chains.
- The study calls on the electric vehicle industry to enhance their transparency and take significant actions to prevent exploitation and environmental harm as demand for battery minerals rises.
The recent report by Amnesty International highlights alarming deficiencies in how electric vehicle manufacturers manage human rights risks associated with mineral extraction. This study, titled "Recharge for Rights," assessed the human rights due diligence practices of 13 major EV companies, against international standards, revealing significant shortcomings in their reporting and transparency. Companies like BYD, Mitsubishi, and Hyundai received notably low scores, indicating a lack of effective action to protect human rights in their supply chains. The findings underscore a troubling trend where increased demand for battery minerals has led to exploitation and environmental degradation in mining communities, particularly in nations like the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Philippines. Amnesty International's Secretary General, Agnès Callamard, emphasized that the industry's response to human rights abuses is insufficient, despite the growing pressure for sustainable and ethical practices in the EV market. The report calls on car manufacturers to better identify and mitigate human rights risks, citing problems such as forced evictions and harm to Indigenous communities. While some companies, such as BMW and Tesla, achieved higher scores, they still need to improve their transparency and accountability regarding human rights impacts. The study is a crucial reminder of the role that manufacturers play in upholding human rights as they adapt to global shifts in demand for electric vehicles. By failing to address these issues, the industry risks perpetuating a pattern of exploitation and harm. As the EV sector expands, it is imperative that companies demonstrate genuine commitment to responsible sourcing and ethical business practices.