At the moment Li-Ion batteries are popular because of higher energy density than other options, but there are some exciting technologies around the corner. Sodium-Ion batteries have less energy density but are much cheaper without digging new mines. There are also great strides in solid state batteries, which charge faster and have better energy density, and while they are more expensive at the moment, those costs will decline as mass production increases. Let's not forget that many of these newer batteries are much safer than the highly flammable Li-Ion batteries. (https://www.tesla-fire.com/) It seems that when Elon isn't killing you with his full self-driving, he's roasting you alive.
Wouldn't be more practical to invest in speeding up those newer options than digging mines in Latin America? Especially since there's a good chance that these new technologies will take the place of Li-Ion batteries before these mines are even dug.
Thanks for reading! And for raising good points about the evolving state of battery tech. I think we're probably locked into growing demand for at least the next 10-15 years by the simple fact that almost all EV manufacturing right now is based around lithium ion tech, and trying to pivot from that could require you to build a new design from scratch. It's the same reason we still have plenty of lead-acid batteries around despite having much better new technology.
But I agree with you that it could well be the case lithium ends up being less relevant as, say sodium-ion batteries improve. That's why banking on a single resource isn't a very resilient development model. Today's "white gold" could well end up being tomorrow's trash.
Interesting read, Henry.
At the moment Li-Ion batteries are popular because of higher energy density than other options, but there are some exciting technologies around the corner. Sodium-Ion batteries have less energy density but are much cheaper without digging new mines. There are also great strides in solid state batteries, which charge faster and have better energy density, and while they are more expensive at the moment, those costs will decline as mass production increases. Let's not forget that many of these newer batteries are much safer than the highly flammable Li-Ion batteries. (https://www.tesla-fire.com/) It seems that when Elon isn't killing you with his full self-driving, he's roasting you alive.
Wouldn't be more practical to invest in speeding up those newer options than digging mines in Latin America? Especially since there's a good chance that these new technologies will take the place of Li-Ion batteries before these mines are even dug.
Hey Paul,
Thanks for reading! And for raising good points about the evolving state of battery tech. I think we're probably locked into growing demand for at least the next 10-15 years by the simple fact that almost all EV manufacturing right now is based around lithium ion tech, and trying to pivot from that could require you to build a new design from scratch. It's the same reason we still have plenty of lead-acid batteries around despite having much better new technology.
But I agree with you that it could well be the case lithium ends up being less relevant as, say sodium-ion batteries improve. That's why banking on a single resource isn't a very resilient development model. Today's "white gold" could well end up being tomorrow's trash.