There seems to be a lot of negative press lately about electric vehicles and maybe that is only natural. After all, a honeymoon can only last so long, right? But one of the biggest issues that is coming up is the lithium battery problem. Do electric vehicles have a lithium battery problem?
The short answer to this question is yes, electric vehicles do have a lithium battery problem.
Lithium-ion batteries are powerful but also very volatile which means if there’s a problem with the charging system, they can rupture and cause fires. This is why electric vehicles must have several layers of protection built into their batteries to ensure that they are safe.
Additionally, lithium-ion batteries are also very expensive which means that electric vehicles may be much more expensive than their gas counterparts. This makes them less accessible for many people who can’t afford them, and thus the electric vehicle market is not growing as quickly as it could.
An article appearing on the Gaurdian's website in June cites Volvo's recent findings that greenhouse gas emissions during the production of an electric car are nearly 70% higher than when manufacturing a petrol one. No surprise but this can be attributed to the use of lithium-ion batteries in almost all-electric vehicles. These batteries are excessively heavy, requiring massive amounts of energy to produce, and are estimated to have a lifespan of just over 10 years. It appears to be an ironic choice to power a car, the article notes, to combat the climate crisis in the automotive industry.
What are the most common issues with lithium batteries?
One of the biggest issues has nothing to do with performance in and of itself. In 2023, one of the significant issues with lithium batteries is the imbalance between supply and demand. The insufficient supply of lithium, nickel, and cobalt compared to the demand led to an increase in prices. This problem is further compounded by the projected global output of lithium carbonate from top producer, Australia, expected to reach 915,000 tonnes in 2023, a mere 3 percent rise from 2022's estimate. Lithium shortages are expected to ease as this supply comes online, placing downward pressure on prices.
Now this next issue does deal with performance. Another serious concern associated with lithium batteries is safety. Lithium-ion batteries, which are found in many popular consumer products, are under scrutiny following several incidents of massive fires. These fires are often the result of "thermal runaway," a chain reaction that can lead to a fire or catastrophic explosion. Furthermore, poorly designed, manufactured, and handled batteries exacerbate the problem. In addition to safety and supply chain issues, the environmental impact of extracting lithium and the labor practices involved in mining cobalt are also primary concerns.
Why are lithium batteries so expensive?
Lithium batteries, especially those used in electric vehicles, are expensive due to a variety of factors. One primary reason is the high cost of lithium itself, a crucial component of these batteries. The price of raw lithium is roughly seven times what it was at the beginning of the 21st century, and mining and processing the metal is an unusually profitable business. This is due to lithium's unique properties that make it ideal for energy storage.
Another contributing factor to the high cost of lithium batteries is the increased demand, particularly from the electric vehicle sector. As more and more people turn to electric cars, the demand for lithium batteries has skyrocketed, leading to a surge in lithium prices. Furthermore, extracting lithium is not an easy task, adding to its high cos. Despite predictions of falling prices in the future, potential shortages of lithium and cobalt as early as 2025 could further drive up costs if enough isn't invested in production.
Can alternative fuels help?
The future of electric vehicles (EVs) doesn't solely rely on lithium batteries. In fact, a range of alternative fuels is being explored to alleviate the challenges associated with lithium batteries, such as limited resources, high costs, and environmental concerns. For example, biodiesel, a renewable fuel that can be manufactured from vegetable oils, animal fats, or recycled cooking grease, is seen as a potential alternative for use in vehicles. This alternative fuel not only helps to reduce carbon emissions but also increases our energy security.
One of the most innovative approaches is the use of biogas CNG, an exciting alternative fuel that predominantly consists of methane. This fuel comes from renewable energy sources, making it a more carbon-friendly option. Another promising alternative energy source for cars is biofuel, which includes bioethanol and biodiesel. These fuels are made from corn, sugarcane, vegetable oils, and animal fats, serving as a renewable replacement for non-renewable crude oil-derived fuels. Such innovations in alternative fuels provide a promising pathway towards a greener and more sustainable future for electric vehicles beyond lithium batteries.
Ultimately, electric vehicles still have a lot of potential and the lithium battery problem should not be seen as an insurmountable issue. There are ways to make lithium-ion batteries more affordable and safer so that they can become a viable option for many more people. In addition, advancements in charging technology are being made all the time which will make electric vehicles more efficient and convenient.
The fact is that electric vehicles are still developing and there are sure to be some growing pains along the way. But with the right investments in safety and technology, they could become a major part of the transportation landscape sooner rather than later. It’s time to start thinking electric!
