The toll processing of lithium has grown globally in recent years, as the use of lithium-ion batteries has taken an ever-increasing role in powering electrical devices ranging from smartphones and laptops to electric vehicles.

Although laptops have largely usurped desktop PCs, smartphones are ubiquitous and vaping devices have added to demand for lithium batteries (albeit with some countries, including Britain, curbing single-use vapes), electric vehicles have been in a comparatively slow lane.

There have been several reasons for the relatively low take-up of EVs. Surveys have found that the most commonly cited reasons include:

  •       The higher upfront cost of such vehicles
  •       Lack of charging stations
  •       The time and inconvenience involved in charging
  •       A lack of space to establish chargers at home

There were also some less frequently cited reasons that are still undoubtedly relevant, such as concerns over the environmental impact of lithium mining and a limited number of models to choose from.

 

How Are Objections To EVs Being Addressed?

Some of these problems are being progressively addressed. For example, the number of charging points is rapidly increasing, easing the issue of ‘range anxiety’ in which drivers fear running out of charge with no charge point nearby.

A key question is whether this kind of improvement, combined with some others, can lead to an increase in the take-up of EVs, which would in turn increase the demand for more lithium mining and processing to make batteries.

Such factors include:

  •       A continued increase in charge points
  •       New technology to increase access to on-street charging
  •       New and better EV models
  •       More favourable cost considerations, not least when oil prices are high for geopolitical reasons
  •       The development of more environmentally-friendly extraction techniques

The first of these is likely to be an ongoing development for years to come, but the second factor may be of particular interest.

This involves government legislation to remove any planning constraints to the installation of charging facilities embedded in pavements, using gullies to avoid the wires becoming a trip hazard.

Such a development will have a particular benefit for drivers who have no driveway and have to use street parking, making EVs more accessible and a world where an eventual ban on petrol and diesel cars does not mean people living on terraced streets are at a disadvantage.

 

Could JLR And Stellantis Expand The Choice Of EVs?

The development of new models is not just a concern for consumers unhappy with a lack of choice, but for the manufacturers themselves.

While Tesla may suffer from some people giving the brand a swerve due to Elon Musk’s political interventions and controversial opinions on various topics, others have quality issues to overcome. However, some major manufacturers are taking steps to remedy this.

An example may be that of Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), which has just negotiated a partnership with Stellantis, the US-based maker of Jeeps.

Although one of the benefits will be to help JLR penetrate the US market in new ways without being hit by tariffs, Auto Express noted that it also enables Stellantis-owned brands like Maserati and Alfa Romeo to access the EV technology developed by JLR.

This could enable Maserati and Alfa Romeo to offer more attractive EV options to consumers in Europe and, if the partnership between JLR and Stellantis is successful in this endeavour, other collaborations may take the same route.

 

Can Drivers Be Weaned Off Dirty Oil And Onto Cleaner Lithium?

How much impact the looming energy crisis could have is one of the less certain areas of impact. Undoubtedly, those currently driving electric vehicles may be relieved not to be facing the rising petrol prices other drivers are enduring, but how long this lasts is uncertain.

What is clear is that the turbulence in the Middle East and also in the Ukraine-Russia war have shown that global crises can have a major effect on energy prices, both in homes and at the filling station, all of which increases the imperative to reduce oil dependency.

The last issue, of cleaner extraction methods, is a concern in many places. It has previously led to mass public protests in Serbia’s Jadar Valley amid concerns about possible water pollution caused by the planned extraction of lithium there.

However, there may be good news in the UK on this front. The planned mining of lithium in County Durham by Weardale Lithium and by Cornish Lithium near Redruth will include modern thermal brine extraction, avoiding pollution or water-intensive use.

Indeed, the chance to support a thriving British lithium mining scene, with all the Jobs and other economic benefits that bring, may prove as big a spur as any to encourage motorists in the UK to switch to electric.