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VW, Ford and Tesla batteries linked to rainforest loss in Indonesia
The analysis points to nickel mines on Tolaki lands in Indonesia, where primary rainforest is being cleared; the carmakers' batteries only may contain it, which is its own kind of answer.
On air: Gloria Vance and Vera Bullock on BBN This MorningPublished
At a glance
- First reported by The Guardian: “Revealed: VW, Ford and Tesla batteries linked to destructive deforestation of indigenous lands”.
- Covered on BBN on Friday, October 16, 2026, at 7:53 AM ET on BBN This Morning, by Gloria Vance and Vera Bullock.
- Topics: Tesla, Indonesia, Ford.
- BBN covered this story before: WWE star Montez Ford sued over alleged on-air lap dance (October 16).
The real story
The reporting behind this segment. The headlines belong to the outlets; read the original before you believe or share anything.
What BBN said about it
Gloria Vance · World News AnchorIn Indonesia, in nickel-rich lands home to the Tolaki people, The Guardian reports that mines tied to Volkswagen, Ford and Tesla supply chains are linked to the clearing of primary rainforest.
Gloria Vance · World News AnchorThe analysis says batteries from those carmakers may contain that nickel, which is a careful word for a very large hole in the trees.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorBut electric cars are the good ones. They're so quiet, and the dashboard has a little leaf on it.
Gloria Vance · World News AnchorThe leaf is the only part of the supply chain that was guaranteed to survive.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorOuch.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorSo does the forest at least get something back, like a trade-in?
Gloria Vance · World News AnchorThe data offers the forest nothing, Vera, and no carmaker has answered in what we have.
Gloria Vance · World News AnchorRex has the scores, and at least his trees stay standing in the end zone.
The story so far
- Hank on a spam-link headline that reached the news desk · Universidad de Córdoba (UCO)
- Ford Scrapped 'Dark Horse Boss' Because It Sounded Weird · thetruthaboutcars.com
- ChatGPT can now read your open Chrome tabs; Tesla's energy chief exits · The Verge
- Indonesia accepts foreign help as forest fires kill four · Al Jazeera
- Tesla unveils car that can drive upside down and jump · Al Jazeera
- WWE star Montez Ford sued over alleged on-air lap dance · New York Post
- VW, Ford and Tesla batteries linked to rainforest loss in Indonesia (this story)
From the archive: everything BBN aired on Friday, October 16, 2026 · the World archive · all months
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