Environmental groups are calling on Hyundai Motor, one of the largest car companies in the world and a leading EV-maker, to phase out coal in its supply chains that they say are tied to pollution, human rights abuses and U.S. adversaries like Russia.
A coalition led by the nonprofit group Mighty Earth released an analysis this week that finds the South Korea-based carmaker is relying on steel tied to coal produced from mines in Russia, Colombia, Australia and other countries. The report calls on Hyundai to shift to cleaner sources of energy and “green steel” and ramp up due diligence across its footprint.
Hyundai is pushing back on the assertions in the report, insisting it’s committed to enforcing strict environmental, social and governance standards.
Environment, and human rights in recent years, have ratcheted up pressure on automakers to address human rights, climate and environmental impacts as they transition to EVs. Glenn Horowitz, Mighty Earth’s CEO, said on a webinar this week that Hyundai must use less polluting sources of steel, aluminum and batteries. Horowitz also said that Hyundai is a target because it’s the third-largest automotive company in the world and the only one with its own steelmaking subsidiary, Hyundai Steel.
