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Revealed: VW, Ford and Tesla batteries linked to destructive deforestation of indigenous lands

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Based on a feed excerpt; full article content has not been acquired. Source evidence retrieved 16/10/2026, 07:24:25 UTC.

Briefings

An analysis reveals that electric carmakers including Volkswagen, Ford, and Tesla may use nickel mined in Indonesia's Sulawesi province, where indigenous Tolaki communities face severe deforestation. This supply chain issue links automotive production to the destruction of primary rainforest, raising environmental concerns despite the industry's push for green vehicles. The study examines corporate disclosures and trade flows from the preceding two years to establish these connections.

Key points

• Volkswagen, Ford, and Tesla are identified as automotive companies whose batteries may contain nickel sourced from Sulawesi, Indonesia.
• The nickel used in battery cathodes is extracted from indigenous woodlands inhabited by the Tolaki people, directly contributing to deforestation in a wildlife hotspot.

Context

This finding addresses the environmental cost of electric vehicle production by linking major manufacturers to the destruction of primary rainforest in Sulawesi, Indonesia, where the world's largest nickel deposits are located.

Limitations

The analysis relies on corporate disclosures and trade flow data from the last two years, which may not capture all supply chain details. The study does not confirm direct causality between specific corporate actions and the deforestation events, nor does it quantify the extent of land loss.

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