ALTERNATIVE POWER REPORT
Today’s electric vehicles are predominantly powered by nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) lithium-ion batteries. However, the inclusion of cobalt in this type of batteries has been considered problematic due to its anticipated scarcity as well as the associated supply chain risks related to its single source, human rights and mining practices.
Japanese scientists have developed a high energy density, cobalt-free lithium-ion battery that yields about 60% greater energy density than conventional lithium-ion batteries for an equivalent weight and volume and sustains unprecedented 1,000 cycles.
Source: PV Magazine: Read The Article
PSR Analysis: The use of cobalt in the current generation of Lithium Ion batteries has several problems notably the use of child labor in a lot of cobalt mines, its scarcity (over 60% of cobalt is sourced from the Democratic Republic of Congo) and its cost. While the battery is not yet ready for commercial use, any move to eliminate this metal (which can cause health issues and is possibly carcinogenic), is welcome. PSR
Guy Youngs is Forecast & Adoption Lead at Power Systems Research
