Lithium Use in Batteries: Demand & Supply Considerations

Lithium has a number of uses but one of the most valuable is a component of high energy-density rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. Because of concerns over carbon dioxide footprint and increasing hydrocarbon fuel cost (reduced supply), lithium may become even more important in large batteries for powering all-electric and hybrid vehicles. Estimates of future lithium demand vary, based on numerous variables. Some of those variables include the potential for recycling, widespread public acceptance of electric vehicles, or the possibility of incentives for converting to lithium-ion-powered engines. This book addresses some of the issues raised by the increased focus on lithium, including the context of the lithium market into which future lithium-based large batteries must fit, the projected effect of electric and hybrid cars on lithium demand, various estimates for future lithium demand, and obstacles to reaching the more optimistic estimates.