Toyota Prius Rare Earth Metals: Are Hybrid Cars, Like the Toyota Prius, Over-Consuming Rare Earth Metals?
Toyota Prius rare earth metals usage has been in the news. There seems to be some genuine concern looming over the Toyota Prius, hybrid cars, and electric cars over-consuming rare earth metals to the point that China, the main exporter of rare earth metals, are tightening the reigns due to extreme consumer demand. Hybrids and electric cars use rare earth metals in their electric motors and car batteries. However, these metals aren't just used in hybrids, but in other everyday technological gadgets commonly used by consumers, including wind turbine generators. Rare earth metals, such as neodymium, used in electric and hybrid batteries, are suddenly in short supply due to the enormous amounts needed for these fuel efficient vehicles. In fact, it's been projected that demand for these metals will exceed supply in a few short years. How did this happen? Currently, every Toyota Prius uses 2.2 lbs (1 kg) of neodymium in each motor, while the hybrid batteries each pack 22-33 lbs. (10-15 kg) of lanthanium (another earth metal in short supply). These numbers are only slated to go up as hybrid cars steer more toward being 100% electric. However, there is some good news on the horizon, as there are a few potential rare earth metal mining areas that hybrid car manufacturers are eyeballing. One is in California, and is scheduled to re-open in 2012. The other two are located in Canada and Vietnam.
So, What's the Problem with Toyota Prius Rare Earth Metals?
For one, no one knows how long these rare earth metals will last even once mining begins. The fact that these metals are commonly used in consumer goods and we haven't had a problem so far tells you that the Toyota Prius and other hybrids are rare metal gobblers. So, the concern is "How long before hybrid technology runs out of materials?" Is Toyota's use of rare earth metals in the Toyota Prius a problem? For some people, it is. It's a reason to stop hybrid car production and focus on other avenues altogether, or perhaps scrapping the entire idea of fuel efficient cars. However, hybrid technology and electric cars are the best developments we've had so far. The best way to handle this is to continue making hybrids and try to figure out another way to make these components so we don't run out of materials. Another factor is that hybrid batteries never need to be replaced? That puts things into perspective as well. Manufacturers of the Toyota Prius, hybrid cars, and electric cars really need to kick it in high gear and figure out what they're going to do if they, in fact, run into total depletion of these metals. That's if exporters of rare earth metals don't cut them off before it happens.
** Update **
It has now been claimed that the rare earth metals used in hybrid cars, such as the Toyota Prius, are not as scarce as believed. The announcement that China is limiting the exportation of these metals has nothing to do with the availability of the metals, but rather the tightening on the reigns by their government to regulate the mines.Why do they need to regulate the mines? There are several mines in China that do not follow guidelines to protect the environment. Their methods of extracting the rare earth metals is actually quite harmful to our planet. In order to fix this problem, they must restrict exports on rare earth metals such as neodymium for hybrid cars. This is actually good news! After all, the Toyota Prius rare earth metals usage and rare earth metals usage in other hybrid cars were designed to help protect the environment. It would be a shame if the components used in these vehicles were obtained in ways that actually harmed our planet.
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