The New OPEC? Countries Rich In Cobalt Will Have A Strangle Hold On The Future Of The EV

Cobalt. Unless you’re a geologist or an electrical engineer, you’d be forgiven for never giving this metal much thought.

But cobalt is a vital component of the lithium-ion batteries fitted to almost all EVs and PHEVs, maintaining the structural integrity of battery cathodes. No viable alternative currently exists, and while cobalt is also used in mobile phone and laptop batteries, a single EV requires between six and 12kg of the material.

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rockreid - 12/28/2018 1:36:46 PM

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Not exactly a “stranglehold” when a quick Google search for Colbalt mining reveals that colbalt is actually plentiful around the world. The issue is that up till now cobalt has been a by product of nickel mining which is not that profitable these days. Nickel and cobalt are in plentiful supply around the world and if/when the price justifies the expense of setting up nickel mining operations that can happen quickly. Russia and China have lots of cobalt ready to be mined if the price is right. Even tiny Cuba has cobalt mining capacity.

MDarringer - 12/28/2018 1:41:44 PM

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This is just another bleeding heart BS, "oh the humanity" kind of post.

Holydude - 1/2/2019 3:28:04 PM

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Yup, nothing wrong with bleeding hearts unless one is an always-trying-to-act-tough-because-I-don't-give-a-shit-unless-you-mess-with-my-welfare-check redneck.

MDarringer - 1/2/2019 3:57:49 PM

+1 Boost

Such lovely hate speech coming out of you.