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| AP Photo |
Automakers are engaged in a competitive race to secure lithium supplies, driven by concerns about potential shortages of electric car batteries. This rush to secure the once-obscure "white gold" is taking place amidst political and environmental complexities, spanning locations from China to Nevada and Chile.
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| AP Photo |
In an unprecedented move within the industry, General Motors Co. and the parent company of China's BYD Auto Ltd. have directly invested in lithium miners, bypassing the traditional reliance on external suppliers for raw materials like copper. Other automakers are also exploring investments in lithium refining or initiatives aimed at recycling silvery-white metal from used batteries.
The potential scarcity of lithium poses a significant challenge to the ambitions of governments and industries alike, as they aim to increase annual sales of electric vehicles to the tens of millions. This scarcity has intensified political conflicts over resource allocation and raised concerns about the environmental impact associated with lithium extraction.
