Can India secure enough copper to power 30 million EVs?

Copper, the metal of conductivity, is the unsung hero, which is reimagining India’s electric vehicle (EV) industry. As India targets 30% electric vehicle (EV) penetration by 2030, copper demand could double to 2-2.2 million tonnes annually, surging from batteries to chargers across the entire value chain. EVs guzzle three to four times more copper than internal combustion engines (ICE) vehicles—83 kg vs. 23 kg—making supply security mission-critical for net-zero 2070.

India imports 60% of its copper and domestic output is stagnating at 0.5 million tonnes per year.