United Press International expects General Motors, Nissan, Tesla, and other EV manufacturers to start phasing out cobalt. But they believe the decision may be involuntary, as cost and transparency dictate lithium technology to an increasing extent. We’ve heard a few disruptive startups are already scaling up cobalt-free lithium battery production.
How Transparency and Cost Dictate Future Lithium Designs
The price of scarce cobalt has skyrocketed in response to accelerating demand. United Press International confirms it now accounts for 25% of the cost of lithium batteries. Other technologies are knocking on lithium’s door and it must respond!
The price of nickel is also shooting up in the face of United States and European sanctions. Therefore it appears the lithium battery industry must knuckle down, and accept cost and transparency will dictate future lithium battery materials.
However, cobalt is also becoming unpopular among consumers too, because much of it comes from Democratic Republic of Congo mines. There are ongoing allegations of child labor and other human right abuses they do not have stomachs for. We understand environmental lobbies are also critical of the impact of cobalt mines on soil, air, and water quality.
Putting This All Together How Does Lithium’s Future Look?
We continue to post emerging technologies as they reach our attention. Beyond that, we don’t have a crystal ball. The U.S. administration expects 50% of U.S. autos to be electric by 2030, but that implies consumer costs coming down.
‘The motivation for battery makers and automakers is primarily driven by cost and long-term transparency,’ according to director of Argonne Collaborative Center for Energy. ‘But not far behind that are environmental aspects and human rights, especially today when there is more focus’ the director adds.
United Press International closes by observing ‘From the beginning, scientists and lithium-ion battery makers have known that cobalt was a problem’. However, this has become more pressing in the face of trade wars and insatiable demand.
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