Electric Vehicles and their Semiconductor Carbon Footprint

The electric vehicle (EV) revolution is in full swing, heralded as a major step towards a sustainable future. At the heart of this transformation lies the semiconductor, powering everything from the EV powertrain to advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). However, the intersection of EVs and semiconductors presents a complex web of both opportunities and challenges when it comes to reducing semiconductor emissions.

Building electric vehicles, particularly the energy-intensive battery manufacturing process, significantly contributes to the overall carbon footprint compared to traditional gasoline-powered cars. Semiconductors, essential components in EVs, also add to this initial environmental burden. While EVs ultimately offer lower lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions over the life of the vehicle, the manufacturing phase is a critical area and one that presents opportunities for improvement.

The broader EV ecosystem, including charging infrastructure, is equally important. A rapid expansion of charging stations is necessary to support EV adoption. But to be the most green, this infrastructure must be powered by clean energy sources to minimize its carbon footprint. Semiconductors play a vital role in optimizing charging efficiency and grid integration, but the transition to renewable energy is paramount.

China's dominance in the EV market highlights the complexities of semiconductor sustainability. While the country leads in EV production, its reliance on coal-fired power plants raises concerns about the overall carbon footprint of its electric vehicle industry. This underscores the need for a global approach to reducing semiconductor emissions.

As consumer awareness of environmental issues grows, sustainability will become a key differentiator for EV manufacturers and their semiconductor suppliers. By focusing on energy-efficient chip designs, responsible material sourcing, and clean energy partnerships, the semiconductor industry can play a pivotal role in mitigating the environmental impact of the EV revolution.

The journey towards a truly sustainable EV future requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders. By understanding the challenges and opportunities, the semiconductor industry can position itself as a leader in driving down semiconductor carbon footprints and contributing to a cleaner planet. But that will involve aligning factors around vehicle production, power generation and transmission, and even the use of advanced and new technologies within the vehicles themselves.

Read TechInsights Senior Technical Fellow Stephen Russell’s full report on automotive EV sustainability to learn more about how surging demand of EVs and EV charging networks is likely to change in the future, and the role the semiconductor industry will play in prioritizing sustainability.