Electric Vehicle Batteries: Where do the Materials Come From?

By Russell Chianelli

Electric vehicles are a promising technology for reducing pollution, especially in crowded cities.  Currently, the power train in electric cars consists of the storage of power in batteries with lithium anodes and power generation by an electric motor.  The electric motor requires rare earth elements such as neodymium.  Where do we get the Li and the neodymium?  We present some articles on the subject and welcome comments regarding the  trade and environmental issues associated.

The first article, The Battle Over Rare Earth Metals, deals with the supply of lithium from around the world.  A huge deposit exists in Bolivia, and there are other deposits in China.  When considering "green technologies," such as electric vehicles, we must also realize that raw materials such as Li, though abundant, may come from unusual places such as Bolivia, and this will require new trade agreements and arrangements.  On the other hand, electric motors for electric vehicles require rare elements such as neodymium.  These metals are rare and necessary for production of the vehicles, as indicated in the article titled, Beyond Lithium: What the Rare Earth Squeeze Means for Hybrid Cars.  The production of rare earth elements can also cause environmental problems in their mining and refining. It is important to understand that many "green technologies," while promising, have hidden environmental and trade implications.

The Battle Over Rare Earth Metals 

Beyond Lithium: What the Rare Earth Squeeze Means for Hybrid Cars 

Shortage of Rare Earth Minerals May Cripple U.S. High-Tech, Scientists Warn Congress

Huge Lithium Potash Deposit Found in Mexico

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[Park Place Infiniti]

Great article. this is one of the biggest issues with EV's.

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[driving school worcester]

A public recharging infrastructure is also developing rapidly in urban areas, which are being targeted as prime regions for electric vehicle adoption. The main obstacle to rapid market growth is high cost.

[Leisa Dreps]

Pollution is a serious issue! Good thing electric cars were invented! These can save people from spending too much on maintenance and gas. Plus, they help decrease bad health cases usually caused by pollution! Many people are actually expecting these cars on the market.

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That is indeed interesting. They are totally different from normal cars.

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[john]

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[Truck Rental]

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