The majority of transport electrification studies, examining the demand and sustainability of critical metals, have focused on light-duty vehicles. Heavy-duty vehicles have often been excluded from the research scope due to their smaller vehicle stock and slower pace of electrification. This study fills this research gap by evaluating the lithium resource impacts from electrification of the heavy-duty segment at the global level. Our results show that a mass electrification of the heavy-duty segment on top of the light-duty segment would substantially increase the lithium demand and impose further strain on the global lithium supply. The significant impact is attributed to the large single-vehicle battery capacity required by heavy-duty vehicles and the expected battery replacement needed within the lifetime of heavy-duty vehicles. We suggest that the ambition of mass electrification in the heavy-duty segment should be treated with cautions for both policy makers and entrepreneurs.

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Highlights d The impact of fuel cell vehicle deployment on platinum demand is evaluated d Platinum-group metals are not likely to be a constraint at the global level d The situations at regional and national levels are challenging d Innovative policies should be made to improve resource efficiency and security

Alternative-energy-vehicles deployment delivers climate, air quality, and health co-benefits when coupled with decarbonizing power generation in China Graphical abstract Highlights d Deployment of AEVs decreases vehicle tailpipe emissions d Decarbonized power generation is critical to reduce upstream emissions d Coupling AEV penetration with decarbonized electricity is critical for total benefits d Large air quality, climate, health, and economic co-benefits can be obtained