Chancer

Why Lead-Carbon Batteries Will Deflate the Li-ion Bubble

John,

I was pleased to read this. I have been hopeful that materials other than lithium would take the lead as less expensive, more plentiful, and more reliable.

I have heard of insufficient worldwide lithium resources to satisfy eventual demand for full electrics and hybrids. Then, you must factor in that some lithium resources are located in countries with historical instability (specifically Bolivia) where timely resource delivery is unreliable.

Your article is good news, indeed, for the future development of electrics and hybrids.

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Actually, I am glad to read this as I have had doubts about lithium as a good option due to:

1- Cost

2- Reliable supplies to satisfy eventual worldwide vehicle demand. Some have claimed not enough lithium in world. I know that Chile has a large supply. I consider Bolivia's lithium a be a "dream" that will not happen. I read there is no currently known method to separate the lithium from brine and other minerals. Bolivia's politicians currently have unreasonable demands that may kill any deals with foreign companies; Bolivia does that a lot.

I have heard that zinc batteries could also be an economical alternative to lead.

Although I like the idea of electric only, the range and MPG of hybrids like Aptera are really impressive. If Aptera is successful over the next couple of years, I believe that the future of innovations and advances with electrics/hybrids is coming from smaller companies- not the major automakers.

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I lived in Bolivia from 1979-1982. The political situation then, now, and always results in the same conclusion that Bolivia is an unreliable supplier. Will electric vehicle manufacturers from any nation allow them selves to be held hostage by Bolivian political leaders? I think not. Already Bolivian leaders are insisting that to use their lithim, the vehicles must also be built in Bolivia. Bolivia has never been a reliable exporter because national export transportation is shutdown when there are political problems. Internal transportation shutdowns are the standard tool for frequent political protest- several times per year. You cannot run an international export business with that instability.

Typically, in international agreements the Bolivians are their own worst enemy. They will over reach in their "demands" and foreign business interests will make a hasty retreat for the border. The Bolivians will sit on their pride and their lithium proclaiming that it will stay in the ground for 1,000 years until their demands are met. And that will be the end of it.

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How about chucking the lithium battery and going with something with more plentiful supplies, even cheaper, and less dangerous like zinc?

If consumers get it that they have to shield lithium batteries to protect against explosion, it is a definite negative for selling the vehicles- especially to soccer moms..

Remember Pinto gas tanks in rear end collisions.