Skip to content
WSP WSP
WSP WSP
  • Who we are
    We are the home of ambitious, passionate, and innovative engineering experts, scientists and advisors.

    Who we are
    • Our story
    • Future Ready
    • Corporate responsibility
    • Local Leadership
    • Our impact
    Corporate responsibility
    • Communities
    • Corporate governance
    • Diversity and Inclusion
    • Ethics and Integrity
    • Health and Safety
    • Sustainability
    Featured content
    Thn-Web-Our-Impact
    Unlocking potential everywhere

    As Visioneers we see the potential everywhere, harnessing it to embrace the complex…

  • What we do
    We work together with clients to plan, design, create and deliver innovative projects that shape the world.


    View All

    • Sectors
    • Services
    • Projects
    What we do
    • Property & Buildings
    • Transportation & Infrastructure
    • Environment & Sustainability
    • Energy & Resources
    Featured content
    thn-net-zero
    How to Net Zero

    How WSP can help you decarbonize with confidence

  • Insights
    Our global experts offer compelling insights that provide new perspectives.

    Read inspiring articles that challenge the status quo by reframing current issues, sparking fresh conversations and finding new solutions.

    View all
    Insights
    • Climate
    • Mobility
    • Places
    • Resources
    • Society
    • Technology
    Featured content
    thn-Digital Project Delivery
    Pursuing Sustainability and Productivity Gains with Digital…

    WSP's Digital Project Delivery white paper explores how to enable projects to be…

  • Careers
    What if you could do the kind of work the world needs?

    With us, you can. Make your best impact with WSP, where the culture and people also make it the best work of your life.

    Find out more
    Careers
    • Job opportunities
    • Early career
    • Experienced professionals
    • Why join us?
    • Bursary
    Featured content
    Thn-Web-Careers-Why-Join-WSP
    Why join us?

    At WSP, you will find the space you need to think bigger and build a career…

  • Who we are
    • Our story
    • Future Ready
    • Corporate responsibility
      • Who we are
      • Accountable for Tomorrow
        • Communities
        • Corporate governance
        • Diversity and Inclusion
        • Ethics and Integrity
        • Health and Safety
        • Sustainability
    • Local Leadership
    • Our impact
  • What we do
    • Property & Buildings
    • Transportation & Infrastructure
    • Environment & Sustainability
    • Energy & Resources
  • Insights
    • Climate
    • Mobility
    • Places
    • Resources
    • Society
    • Technology
  • Careers
    • Job opportunities
    • Early career
    • Experienced professionals
    • Why join us?
    • Bursary
Select your language and location

We are locally dedicated with international scale.

International
  • Global
    English — Français
Americas
  • Brazil
    Português
  • Canada
    English — Français
  • Chile
    Español
  • Colombia
    Español
  • Mexico
    Español
  • Panama
    Español
  • Peru
    Español
  • United States
    English
Africa
  • South Africa
    English
Asia
  • China
    中文(简体) — English
  • Hong Kong
    English
  • India
    English
  • Indonesia
    English
  • Malaysia
    English
  • Philippines
    English
  • Singapore
    English
  • South Korea
    한국어(대한민국) — English
  • Thailand
    English
Europe
  • Denmark
    Dansk
  • Finland
    Suomi
  • France
    Français
  • Germany
    Deutsch
  • Hungary
    English
  • Italy
    Italiano
  • Netherlands
    Nederlands
  • Norway
    Norsk
  • Poland
    Polski
  • Romania
    English
  • Spain
    Español
  • Sweden
    Svenska
  • Switzerland
    Deutsch — Français
  • Turkey
    Turkish
  • United Kingdom
    English
Middle East
  • Kuwait
    English
  • Oman
    English
  • Qatar
    English
  • Saudi Arabia
    English
  • United Arab Emirates
    English
Oceania
  • Australia
    English
  • New Zealand
    English
Worldwide offices
    • Investors
      Discover our diverse business, financial results and strategic ambitions.

      We are committed to delivering sustainable value to our shareholders and exceptional professional services to our clients.

      Find out more
      Investors
      • Corporate governance
      • Press releases
      • Reports and filings
      • Stock information
      • Shareholder information
      • Presentations and events
      Corporate governance
      • Audit committee
      • Board of directors
      • Business Conduct Hotline
      • Constating documents
      • Governance documents
      • Governance ethics and compensation committee
      • Mandates
      Reports and filings
      • AIF
      • Annual
      • Information circular
      • Quarterly
      • SEDAR+ filings
      • Sustainability
      Stock information
      • Analyst coverage
      Shareholder information
      • Acquisitions
      • Dividends
      • FAQ
      Featured content
      Thn-Web-IR-2025-Q1-Results
      WSP's Q1 2025 Results

      We released our 2025 first quarter results on May 7, 2025 after market close.

    • Investors
      • Corporate governance
        • Investors
        • Corporate Governance
          • Audit committee
          • Board of directors
          • Business Conduct Hotline
          • Constating documents
          • Governance documents
          • Governance ethics and compensation committee
          • Mandates
      • Press releases
      • Reports and filings
        • Investors
        • REPORTS & FILINGS
          • AIF
          • Annual
          • Information circular
          • Quarterly
          • SEDAR+ filings
          • Sustainability
      • Stock information
        • Investors
        • Stock Information
          • Analyst coverage
      • Shareholder information
        • Investors
        • Shareholder Information
          • Acquisitions
          • Dividends
          • Drip
          • FAQ
      • Presentations and events
    • News
      Progress happens quickly.

      Stay up to date with our latest global news, events, awards and more.

      News
      • Latest news
      • Events and webinars
      Featured content
      thn-climate-change-2025
      Climate Change Webinars

      Discover case studies addressing climate change adaptation and mitigation projects.…

    • Contact us
      We are dedicated to our local communities and driven by global talent.

      Contact us to find out how our diversified offering, world-class expertise and geographical reach can assist you in achieving your vision.

      Contact Us

      Follow us

      Contact us
      • Request a proposal
      • Send a message
      • Find an expert
      • Offices
      Featured content
      Our Offices

      With offices throughout the world, you can connect with one close to you.

    • Investors
      Discover our diverse business, financial results and strategic ambitions.

      We are committed to delivering sustainable value to our shareholders and exceptional professional services to our clients.

      Find out more
      Investors
      • Corporate governance
      • Press releases
      • Reports and filings
      • Stock information
      • Shareholder information
      • Presentations and events
      Corporate governance
      • Audit committee
      • Board of directors
      • Business Conduct Hotline
      • Constating documents
      • Governance documents
      • Governance ethics and compensation committee
      • Mandates
      Reports and filings
      • AIF
      • Annual
      • Information circular
      • Quarterly
      • SEDAR+ filings
      • Sustainability
      Stock information
      • Analyst coverage
      Shareholder information
      • Acquisitions
      • Dividends
      • FAQ
      Featured content
      Thn-Web-IR-2025-Q1-Results
      WSP's Q1 2025 Results

      We released our 2025 first quarter results on May 7, 2025 after market close.

    • Investors
      • Corporate governance
        • Investors
        • Corporate Governance
          • Audit committee
          • Board of directors
          • Business Conduct Hotline
          • Constating documents
          • Governance documents
          • Governance ethics and compensation committee
          • Mandates
      • Press releases
      • Reports and filings
        • Investors
        • REPORTS & FILINGS
          • AIF
          • Annual
          • Information circular
          • Quarterly
          • SEDAR+ filings
          • Sustainability
      • Stock information
        • Investors
        • Stock Information
          • Analyst coverage
      • Shareholder information
        • Investors
        • Shareholder Information
          • Acquisitions
          • Dividends
          • Drip
          • FAQ
      • Presentations and events
    • News
      • Latest news
      • Events and webinars
    • Contact us
      • Request a proposal
      • Send a message
      • Find an expert
      • Offices
banner-sa-ev-insight

Powering sustainability through EV battery manufacturing for a greener future

banner-sa-ev-insight

Powering sustainability through EV battery manufacturing for a greener future

  1. We are WSP
  2. Insights
  3. Powering sustainability EV

To achieve global Net Zero emissions by 2050, manufacturers are embracing more sustainable practices. A key player in this has become the electric vehicle (EV) sector which is expected to account for 60% of global car sales by 2030. This means that EV batteries have become a crucial enabler in the shift from traditional fossil fuels to cleaner, renewable energy sources.

map marker South Africa | Wednesday, 05 June 2024

The global EV battery market is set to grow from $132.6 billion in 2023 to $508.8 billion by 2033, representing a compound annual growth rate of 14.4%. This surge is driven by a combination of environmental awareness about climate change and air pollution, and government policies that are accelerating the adoption of EVs. The result has seen an increase in the construction and planning of battery manufacturing plants across Europe and North America.

Additionally, advances in battery technology are driven by the need for increased driving range, faster charging times, and improved overall performance.

The battery ecosystem

Of course, there are various complexities to consider when it comes to the EV battery market. It provides a clear example of the circular economy in action where resources are kept in use for as long as possible and waste is minimised.

The lifecycle of an EV battery begins with the extraction of raw materials such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel. This upstream process is followed by the midstream stage where these materials are transformed into the critical components for battery cells. The downstream process sees the individual cells assembled into battery packs that power EVs. Finally, the end-of-life phase puts the spotlight on responsible battery recycling. As such, recycled materials can be reintroduced into the upstream, midstream and downstream processes, promoting a closed-loop system that reduces waste and reliance on virgin materials.

Understanding the process

One of the key focuses in EV battery manufacturing facilities is the clean and dry rooms. These rooms enclose the majority of the production lines to ensure tightly controlled environments specifically designed to eliminate threats posed by moisture and contaminants, which are vital for maintaining battery integrity during production. Without such measures, risks such as electrode corrosion, short circuits, and thermal runaway pose significant threats to battery performance and safety.

Regulations play a crucial role in shaping the future of EV battery manufacturing. They ensure safety, promote sustainability, and enforce ethical sourcing of raw materials. For instance, regulations such as the UN Model Regulations and the EU's Conflict Minerals Regulation guide manufacturers towards safer and more environmentally responsible practices. There is also the New European Battery Regulation (NBR) that enforces stringent standards to ensure that battery manufacturing adheres to safety, sustainability, and ethical sourcing guidelines.

For our part, one of the many solutions WSP has spearheaded is the development of a simulation Battery Optimisation Lifecycle Tool (BOLT). This analysis heavy-duty fleet electrification and optimisation to help public and private transit fleet operators determine quickly which routes are best suited for conversion to electric buses. BOLT can simulate a transit agency’s entire route system and create a system network Electrifiable Index that identifies the routes/scheduled blocks that can be electrified today.

Future potential

Fortunately, the battery technologies that power EVs are continually evolving. Currently, lithium-ion batteries offer high energy density and longevity but rely heavily on mining practices that have significant social and environmental impacts. This is where emerging technologies like sodium-ion and solid-state batteries present alternatives that might reduce these impacts due to their readily available raw materials, potentially lower toxic material use and higher efficiency.

Developing better, more sustainable EV batteries must therefore become a priority. More efficiently using resources to minimise waste and reduce reliance on virgin materials through closed-loop systems is essential. Ethical sourcing practices that ensure raw materials are extracted under fair working conditions are also vital.

Consider a world where EVs can travel just as far as fossil-fuel-powered cars on a single charge. That future hinges on developing batteries that pack more energy into a smaller space. Creating longer-lasting batteries also means fewer replacements are needed, thereby reducing the environmental impact and overall costs associated with battery production.

By focusing on technological advancements, safety, and regulatory compliance, and by embracing a circular economy, we can ensure that the growth of the EV market contributes positively to global environmental goals.


Author

Diederik_Venter_WSP_Africa
Diederik Venter
Discipline Lead: HVAC
South Africa

Share this page

  • Share on Facebook - Warning, this link will open a new tab.
  • Share on Linkedin - Warning, this link will open a new tab.
  • Share on Twitter - Warning, this link will open a new tab.
  • Share on Skype - Warning, this link will open your Skype application.

  •   Page will open in a new tab
  •   Page will open in a new tab
  •   Page will open in a new tab
  •   Page will open in a new tab
  •   Page will open in a new tab
  • Who We Are
  • Our story
  • Future Ready
  • Local Leadership
  • Our offices
  • What We Do
  • Sectors
  • Services
  • Projects
  • Insights
  • Climate
  • Mobility
  • Places
  • Society
  • Resources
  • Technology
  • Careers
  • Join our team
  • Bursary
  • Early career
  • Experienced professionals
  • Why join us?
  • Corporate
  • Sustainability
  • Health and safety
  • Investors
  • Business Conduct Hotline
  • News
  • Corporate governance
  • Ethics and integrity
    ©2025 WSP
    • The WSP Logo
    • PAIA Manual
    • Privacy Policy
    • Anti-Spam Commitment
    • Cookie Notice
    • Terms of Use
    ©2025 WSP
    Exiting our Website

    You are about to leave WSP.com and are being redirected to a job opportunity at Louis Berger, which has been recently acquired by WSP in the US.