Copper production isn't enough to support EV needs

[Wild one]

A University of Michigan study has concluded that it is impossible to mine enough copper to meet the push for EV transition. Not only can't it meet the copper needed for the vehicles themselves, but the power grid would be lacking as well.
"A normal Honda Accord needs about 40 pounds of copper. The same battery electric Honda Accord needs almost 200 pounds of copper. Onshore wind turbines require about 10 tons of copper, and in offshore wind turbines, that amount can more than double," said Adam Simon, U-M professor of earth and environmental studies.
"We show in the paper that the amount of copper needed is essentially impossible for mining companies to produce."
The study found that between 2018 and 2050, the world will need to mine 115% more copper than has been mined in ALL of human history up until 2018 just to meet "business as usual" needs. This would meet the US's current copper needs as well as supporting the developing world without considering the green energy transition. And that is simply impossible.
So as predicted by myself and others, "ain't no way". The push for the move from internal combustion engines to EV's is not simply unrealistic given the stage of technology, but impossible based on actual material needs. And copper is only ONE material which is being shown to be lacking; there are others.
But there it is.

 

[NCRaineman]

The idea with the EV push is to create dependency. Raise auto prices until only the wealthy can afford them. Raise demand for electricity until the grid can no longer meet it. Then the government declares an "emergency" and starts rationing power.

It's called turning a free people into serfs without firing a shot.

 

[Doug Ram]

I call BS until I see an actual citation and link to the study. People often call something a "study" when all they've done is survey previously done work of dubious quality.

Also, did the study account for long term substitution effects? As copper becomes short in supply it becomes more expensive and we'll substitute other materials for more routine applications. As time goes by and the price of copper continues to increase we will no longer make copper pipes. We'll tear out and recycle copper where a substitute can be used. Or we will go back to galvanized steel and clay pipes. We will use even more aluminium for more wiring. Old copper wiring will be torn out, recycled, and replaced with an aluminum alloy.

Sure there will be some applications where copper is the only suitable material, but as it gets more expensive its likely that copper will only be used where there is no suitable alternative and if it gets expensive enough, something else will be used instead.

Most studies don't account for substitution effects in the long run.