Amnesty International gives low ratings to electric vehicle manufacturers for their human rights policies.

A recent report from a human rights organization highlights that the automotive industry is not doing enough to identify and prevent human rights abuses in its electric vehicle (EV) battery supply chains. This assessment covered 13 of the world's leading electric vehicle manufacturers, who received scores based on their human rights policies and practices. BYD, one of the top global EV sales companies, along with Mitsubishi, received the lowest scores, with only 11 and 13 points, respectively, out of a possible 90. In contrast, Mercedes-Benz and Tesla ranked as the top performers, with scores of 51 and 49 points, although the overall ratings still reflect significant areas for improvement in the industry, underscoring the need to protect workers and communities near mines.

The report emphasizes that none of the reviewed companies demonstrate that they are conducting adequate human rights due diligence in their supply chains for the key materials used in EV batteries. Quynh Tran, a researcher in the business and human rights team, underscores that "even the best-performing companies have a wide margin for improvement." The transition to electric vehicles should not involve sacrificing human rights, especially considering that the demand for materials such as cobalt, copper, lithium, and nickel will increase as nations seek to meet their climate goals.

Amnesty International evaluated the companies based on publicly available information about their human rights policies, awarding points for concrete actions, from commitments to respect rights to responses to potential abuses. The companies' scores reflect how prepared they are to identify and address possible human rights abuses linked to their supply chains. It is noted that a higher score does not guarantee that a company's supply chain is free from abuses, but rather indicates greater transparency and a proactive approach towards those risks.

The organization also highlights the importance of companies clearly indicating their supply chains, including revealing the mines, smelters, and refiners from which their battery materials come. Without this information, it is difficult to assess the conditions under which they are operating. Furthermore, it is crucial to involve the communities affected by mining, as many of the analyzed companies lacked policies that comply with the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, particularly regarding free, prior, and informed consent.

On the other hand, government influence is considered fundamental for implementing policies that require environmental assessments and safeguards related to human rights. Surprisingly, Tran noted greater consistency in the transparency of European manufacturers compared to their American counterparts, possibly due to a stronger regulatory framework in the European Union.

While some companies did not respond to requests for comment, others like Ford and Mercedes-Benz shared their efforts to improve human rights practices. Overall, it is concluded that regardless of the technology, it is vital to ensure respect for human rights throughout supply chains to achieve a just and truly sustainable transition to green technologies.