#Lithium in Electric Vehicles

[mathewmartin1]

Lithium - The Essential Metal Fueling Modern Innovation and Sustainability

Lithium is a remarkable metal known for its critical role in powering technologies that have transformed modern life. From smartphones to electric cars, lithium is at the heart of countless innovations, making it one of the most sought-after elements in today's global market. Known for its light weight and unique properties, lithium is fueling the shift toward greener energy sources, especially with the rise in demand for lithium-ion batteries. This article explores everything about lithium—its unique properties, applications, extraction, and the way it shapes our sustainable future.

The Discovery and Rise of Lithium

Lithium was first discovered in 1817 by Swedish chemist Johan August Arfvedson. Named after the Greek word "lithos," meaning stone, lithium was identified within a mineral rather than a plant, distinguishing it from other alkali metals. However, it wasn’t until the 20th century that lithium’s commercial potential was truly understood. Today, lithium is indispensable in various industries, largely due to its high electrochemical potential and low atomic mass, which make it an ideal choice for energy storage.

Why Is Lithium So Important?

The importance of lithium lies in its versatility. Here are some of the primary reasons why lithium is crucial in modern industries:

Energy Storage: Lithium-ion batteries are widely used in electronics, powering everything from smartphones to electric vehicles (EVs).

Medical Use: Lithium compounds are used in treating bipolar disorder and depression.

Alloys and Glass Production: Lithium improves the durability and temperature resistance of certain alloys and glass.

This wide range of applications underscores lithium's significance and its expanding role in promoting technological and environmental advancement.

Lithium's Unique Properties

Lithium is the lightest metal on the periodic table and has several unique features that make it ideal for various applications:

High Energy Density: Lithium has a high electrochemical potential, allowing lithium-ion batteries to store more energy in a smaller space.

Low Density: Lithium is much lighter than other metals, making it ideal for applications where weight is a consideration.

Reactivity: Lithium’s reactivity enables it to release energy quickly, a property especially useful in power storage systems.

These properties have positioned lithium as a game-changer in energy storage solutions.

The Role of Lithium in Green Technology

As the world strives to reduce carbon emissions and shift toward cleaner energy, lithium is front and center in these efforts. Lithium-ion batteries, specifically, are crucial for renewable energy systems like wind and solar, where efficient energy storage is key. Furthermore, electric vehicles (EVs) have surged in popularity as a sustainable alternative to gasoline-powered cars, creating an ever-growing demand for lithium batteries. This demand reflects the commitment to a greener planet and a sustainable future.

Applications of Lithium Across Industries

Lithium plays a vital role in many industries beyond just battery technology. Here’s a closer look at some of its key applications:

Battery Technology: Powering everything from smartphones to electric vehicles.

Pharmaceuticals: Used in psychiatric medications for stabilizing mood disorders.

Aerospace: Used in high-strength alloys for aircraft construction due to its lightweight nature.

Glass and Ceramics: Improves the strength and heat resistance of glass.

In each of these applications, lithium provides distinct advantages that make it the material of choice.

How is Lithium Extracted?

The extraction of lithium is a complex process that mainly takes place in areas rich in lithium resources, such as Chile, Argentina, and Australia. There are two primary methods:

Brine Extraction: Commonly used in South America, where lithium-rich saltwater brine is pumped to the surface and allowed to evaporate. Lithium is then extracted from the remaining salts.

Hard Rock Mining: Primarily done in Australia, where lithium is extracted from spodumene, a lithium-containing mineral.

Both methods have environmental impacts, such as water depletion and landscape disruption. However, research is ongoing to develop more sustainable extraction processes to minimize these effects.

The Environmental Impact of Lithium Mining

While lithium is essential for green technology, its extraction has raised environmental concerns. Lithium extraction, especially through brine extraction, often occurs in areas with scarce water resources, such as the Atacama Desert in Chile. This has led to concerns over water depletion and ecosystem disruption. As the demand for lithium continues to grow, addressing these environmental challenges will be crucial for sustainable development.

Lithium's Role in Electric Vehicles

Electric vehicles (EVs) rely heavily on lithium-ion batteries due to their energy efficiency and long lifespan. With governments worldwide pushing for increased EV adoption, the demand for lithium continues to soar. Industry experts predict that by 2030, the EV industry alone will require five times more lithium than today. This trend highlights lithium as a key player in the future of sustainable transportation.

Challenges in Meeting Lithium Demand

The rising demand for lithium brings with it several challenges. The primary issues are:

Resource Scarcity: Lithium reserves are concentrated in only a few countries.

Environmental Impact: Mining and extraction can lead to ecosystem damage.

Cost and Supply Chain: Meeting global demand requires significant investment in extraction and supply infrastructure.

These challenges make it imperative to develop alternative technologies or methods to recycle lithium to ensure a stable supply.

Recycling Lithium: An Emerging Solution

With the growing demand and limited supply of lithium, recycling has become a promising solution. By recovering lithium from used batteries, recycling can reduce the need for new lithium mining. Although still in its early stages, lithium recycling technology is advancing, offering hope for a more sustainable lithium supply chain. Experts in the industry foresee recycled lithium playing a critical role in meeting future demand, especially in countries with limited lithium resources.

Global Lithium Reserves and Production

As of recent reports, the world's largest lithium reserves are found in:

Chile: Approximately 9.2 million metric tons

Australia: Around 4.7 million metric tons

Argentina: Close to 1.9 million metric tons

These reserves are projected to meet current demand, but with rising usage in technology and transportation, even these vast resources may face strain.

The Future of Lithium in a Renewable World

Lithium’s role is only expected to grow as renewable energy sources become more widespread. As energy storage technologies evolve, lithium-based batteries will likely remain central due to their efficiency and power. Innovations in lithium battery technology could increase energy storage capacity, reduce costs, and further drive the adoption of renewable energy systems worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is lithium used for? Lithium is primarily used in batteries for electronics, electric vehicles, and renewable energy storage. It's also used in pharmaceuticals, glass, and ceramics.

Why is lithium essential for electric vehicles? Lithium's light weight and high energy density make it ideal for batteries in electric vehicles, providing long-lasting and efficient power.

What are the environmental impacts of lithium mining? Lithium mining, especially in water-scarce areas, can lead to water depletion and ecosystem damage. Efforts are being made to develop more sustainable extraction processes.

Can lithium be recycled? Yes, lithium can be recycled, especially from used batteries. Recycling is seen as a potential solution to reduce dependency on lithium mining.

Where are the largest lithium reserves? The largest lithium reserves are located in Chile, Australia, and Argentina, with these countries supplying a significant portion of the global demand.

How does lithium contribute to renewable energy? Lithium-ion batteries are crucial for storing energy from renewable sources like solar and wind, supporting a more sustainable energy grid.

Conclusion

Lithium has become indispensable in today’s technology-driven world, especially as society moves toward a more sustainable and energy-efficient future. From its essential role in powering electric vehicles to its significance in renewable energy systems, lithium is central to the ongoing technological revolution. While challenges like environmental impact and resource scarcity exist, ongoing research into sustainable extraction and recycling methods holds promise for a future where lithium continues to support green innovation. As the demand for lithium grows, its impact on the modern world will only become more profound.

[reality-detective]

A well written explanation involving Lithium Ion Batteries. 👇

Understanding Thermal Runaway in Lithium Ion Battery Fires. Thermal Runaway Explained:

Thermal runaway is a chain reaction within a lithium-ion battery that can lead to catastrophic failure, resulting in fires or explosions. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of what happens during thermal runaway:

1. Initial Trigger: Thermal runaway can be initiated by several factors, such as physical damage (e.g., puncturing or crushing), overcharging, manufacturing defects, or exposure to extreme heat.

2. Internal Heating: Once triggered, a part of the battery starts to overheat. This can be due to an internal short circuit or a chemical reaction within the battery.

3. Chain Reaction: The heat generated from the initial trigger increases the temperature inside the battery. This heat can cause other parts of the battery to react, generating even more heat.

4. Rapid Temperature Rise: As the temperature rises, the electrolyte inside the battery—a flammable liquid—starts to vaporize and decompose, producing gases. This further increases the internal pressure and temperature.

5. Gas Release and Ignition: The increasing pressure can cause the battery casing to rupture, releasing flammable gases. These gases can then ignite, leading to a fire or explosion.

6. Propagation: If the battery is part of a larger battery pack, the heat and flames can spread to adjacent cells, causing them to undergo thermal runaway as well. This can result in a large, intense fire that is difficult to control.

Key Points: - Difficult to Extinguish: Thermal runaway fires require massive amounts of water to cool the batteries and stop the chain reaction. Traditional fire extinguishers are often ineffective.

- Toxic Gases: Burning lithium-ion batteries release toxic gases such as hydrogen fluoride, which can be harmful if inhaled.

- Reignition Risk: Even after the fire appears to be extinguished, there is a risk of reignition. The battery cells can remain hot and unstable for hours or even days.

Safety Measures:

- Distance: Establishing safety distances to keep people away from the danger zone.

- Continuous Monitoring: Using thermal imaging to monitor for any signs of reignition.

- Specialized Response: Firefighters need to use specialized techniques and equipment to handle lithium-ion battery fires safely.

Understanding thermal runaway helps in appreciating the complexity and danger of lithium-ion battery fires, highlighting the importance of safety precautions and effective response strategies. 🤔

[dosesofcommonsense]

You’re driving around in a neuro-toxic box that’s been electrified. Yes, yes, the environment; I have lots to post on that. This is about you. If 5G is bad for your body, wouldn’t electrified lithium being connected to your brain be bad for you? The environment is the least of your worries.

[reasonsforhope]

[In February, 2023], a small warehouse in the English city of Nottingham received the crucial final components for a project that leverages the power of used EV batteries to create a new kind of circular economy.

Inside, city authorities have installed 40 two-way electric vehicle chargers that are connected to solar panels and a pioneering battery energy storage system, which will together power a number of on-site facilities and a fleet of 200 municipal vehicles while simultaneously helping to decarbonize the UK’s electrical grid.

Each day Nottingham will send a combination of solar-generated energy — and whatever is left in the vehicles after the day’s use — from its storage devices into the national grid.  The so-called “vehicle to grid” chargers deliver this energy just when it’s needed most, during peak evening demand, when people are home cooking, using hot water or watching TV. Later, the same chargers pull energy from the grid to recharge the vehicles in the wee hours of the night, when folks are sleeping and electricity is cheaper and plentiful.

“We are trying to create a virtual power station,” says Steve Cornes, Nottingham City Council’s Technical Lead. “The solar power and battery storage will help us operate independently and outside of peak times, making our system more resilient and reducing stress on the national grid. We could even make a profit.” ...

After around a decade, an EV battery no longer provides sufficient performance for car journeys. However, they still can retain up to 80 percent of their original capacity, and with this great remaining power comes great reusability.

“As the batteries degrade, they lose their usefulness for vehicles,” says Matthew Lumsden, chairman of Connected Energy. “But batteries can be used for so many other things, and to not do so results in waste and more mining of natural resources.”

The E-STOR hubs come in the form of 20-foot modular containers, each one packed with 24 repurposed EV batteries from Renault cars. Each hub can provide up to 300kW of power, enough to provide energy to dozens of homes. One study by Lancaster University, commissioned by Connected Energy, calculated that a second life battery system saved 450 tons of CO2 per MWh over its lifetime...

Battery repurposing and recycling is set to play a massive role over the coming years as the automobile industry attempts to decarbonize and the world more broadly attempts to fight waste. The production of EVs, which use lithium-ion batteries, is accelerating. Tesla, for example, is aiming to sell 20 million EVs per year by 2030 — more than 13 times the current level. In turn, 12 million tons of EV batteries could become available for reuse by 2030, according to one estimate.

“Over the next decade we are going to see this gigantic wave,” says Jessica Dunn, a senior analyst at the Union of Concerned Scientists. “Companies are recognizing this is a necessary industry. They need to ramp up infrastructure for recycling and reuse.”

-via Reasons to Be Cheerful, March 13, 2023

[feddy-34]

PSA ABOUT ELECTRIC VEHICLES

IF YOU OWN AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE AND ARE IN THE PATH OF AN ONCOMING HURRICANE AND CANNOT EVACUATE

DO NOT PARK YOUR CAR IN YOUR HOUSE

heavy hurricanes like helene and milton will bring floods of saltwater with them. saltwater is corrosive towards the lithium ion batteries found in ALL ELECTRIC VEHICLES and can cause the batteries to short-circuit, fail, or even explode. lithium ion fires take THOUSANDS more gallons of water to put out than normal electrical fires. they can and will burn houses down even during hurricanes.

PARK YOUR ELECTRIC VEHICLES ON THE STREET.

[theoreticallysensible]

[horusvalley]

Cobalt Mines And Child Exploitation

A child working in mines. Image Credit: Vlad Karavaev/Shutterstock.com Big Tech and Child Exploitation in Cobalt Mines: Ethical Challenges for the Clean Energy Industry With the growing global demand for electronics and electric vehicles, cobalt is emerging as a key ingredient in lithium-ion batteries used in these technologies.   While cobalt is a key part of the transition to clean energy,…

[head-post]

Serbian activists arrested after mass protest against lithium mining

A mass protest against lithium mining ended with the arrests and sentences of three environmental activists, Ivan Bjelić, Nikola Ristić, and Jevđenije Julijan Dimitrijević.

Bjelić was sentenced to a 40-day detention, while Ristić and Dimitrijević received a 30-day arrest for “disturbing public order and peace,” according to the first instance judgement, which legal experts called “draconian.”

The activists were arrested in the early hours of 11 August at one of the two Belgrade railway stations blocked by protesters. Thy were convicted, however, not for blocking the railway, but for disrupting public order by verbally abusing a journalist from pro-government Informer television who was reporting on the scene, according to local media.

The Higher Public Prosecutors Office in Belgrade announced on 11 August that all those who blocked the railway would be prosecuted. Lawyer Rodoljub Šabić, former Public Information Commissioner of Serbia, called the sanctions “draconian” and an intimidation attempt. The lawyer of the arrested activists Marko Pantić stated:

It is alleged that they obstructed the journalist’s work, surrounded her and shouted. In our opinion, this action must be concretised. What did they shout, where did they surround her, how did they disturb her? If they shouted ‘child poisoning’, it was not directed at that journalist personally. I believe that no one thinks that the journalist poisons children, but that it refers to the Jadar project and the whole story for which the protests were organised.

Railway blockade

The blockade of railway stations lasted several hours and ended after police intervened. Interior Minister Ivica Dačić said on Sunday that the police acted without using coercive measures and that no one was hurt. President Aleksandar Vučić declared:

The blockades and protests are not the solution. I will talk to the people about the fear of lithium mining and with those who think differently.

Zlatko Kokanović, an environmental activist and one of the organisers of protests against lithium mining, said that environmental organisations would not give up their demands for a ban on lithium mining in Serbia.

We want to send a message, you can arrest us, but we continue, we are not afraid, we are heading towards victory, to the end.

Prior to the railway blockade, some 30,000 people took to the streets of Belgrade on Saturday night to protest against the re-announcement of the opening of the lithium mine of the international company Rio Tinto in the Jadar River valley in the west of the country.

The protest was organised by the Association of Environmental Organisations of Serbia. Speakers claimed that they would not allow the mine to open due to concerns that the lithium mine would pollute water sources and seriously jeopardise public health.

Lithium for EU electric vehicles

A series of protests began following the Serbian government’s decision in mid-July to continue a project to open a lithium mine in the Jadar Valley, which was halted by state authorities in 2022 also due to large-scale protests.

On 19 July, the Critical Raw Material Summit was held in Belgrade. The meeting was attended by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, European Commission Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič, and President Vučić. It concluded with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the EU and Serbia on sustainable raw materials, battery value chains, and electric vehicles (EVs).

The EU has been expressing interest in Serbian lithium reserves in the context of reducing dependence on the critical raw material and transitioning to a green economy. Germany also showed appetite in recent years, with lithium batteries being a key element in the production of EVs.

According to the Rio Tinto plan, the Jadar project will produce around 58,000 tonnes of lithium per year, enough for 17% of Europe’s EV production. According to recent statements by the Serbian authorities, led by the Serbian Progressive Party, the mine will open in 2028 if the company complies with environmental regulations and obtains the necessary permits.

In recent years, many experts and environmental associations in Serbia have argued that lithium mining could have serious negative consequences for the environment. Widespread mistrust in Serbia’s state institutions, which would be responsible for enforcing environmental standards, has also been emphasised.

Read more HERE

[reasoningdaily]

"Cobalt Red": Smartphones & Electric Cars Rely on Toxic Mineral Mined in Congo

The Democratic Republic of the Congo produces nearly three-quarters of the world's cobalt, an essential component in rechargeable batteries powering laptops, smartphones and electric vehicles. 

But those who dig up the valuable mineral often work in horrific and dangerous conditions, says Siddharth Kara, an international expert on modern-day slavery and author of _Cobalt Red: How the Blood of the Congo Powers Our Lives_. 

In an in-depth interview, he says the major technology companies that rely on this cobalt from DRC to make their products are turning a blind eye to the human toll and falsely claiming their supply chains are free from abuse, including widespread child labor.

 "The public health catastrophe on top of the human rights violence on top of the environmental destruction is unlike anything we've ever seen in the modern context," says Kara. "The fact that it is linked to companies worth trillions and that our lives depend on this enormous violence has to be dealt with."

[locrianking]

hi this is your local car enthusiast reminding you that if you want to drive in a sustainable way, the best thing you can do is maintain your current vehicle for as long as physically possible, and if it dies on you, buy a used car with decent-to-good gas mileage. if possible, learn manual.

EVs are usually powered with lithium ion batteries, which is of debatable environmental friendliness and rife with human rights abuses. needless to mention that the US already produces an insane amount of waste and people buying new, expensive EVs en masse will make this issue even worse. simply put, in the vast majority of cases, you, as an individual, will produce less waste and pollution by keeping your current vehicle as opposed to buying a new EV.  EV sales are dependent on well-intentioned people who care about the environment not researching what they’re buying. governments & companies are advertising them and making laws in favor of them because they’re making money, not because they’re good. do not fall victim to consumerism. they are banking on you not knowing any better.

[bosaenergy]

There are many companies that supply batteries, but few companies that supply modules, and we happen to be one of them.

The LF230 module we produced meets the standards of power batteries and energy storage batteries, and has received unanimous praise from customers. It can work normally at -20°C to 40°C, and there is no need to worry about discharge problems.

[reality-detective]

Green energy for sustainability purposes? 🤔

[awesome-casuallyfamouscollector]

CATL’s sodium-ion battery is set to be incorporated into the initial model of Chery’s iCAR brand of new energy vehicles (NEVs). Chery announced this at their conference last week, but the launch in Q4 is further information. 36kr report also says that sodium ion will be used on Chery’s budget EVs, such as QQ Ice Cream.

Sodium-ion batteries are alternatives to LFP and NMC batteries to ease the dependence on lithium. Its price continued to rise last two years and, at its peak, exceeded 600,000 yuan/ton (87,200 USD)(..)

[feckcops]

Revealed: how US transition to electric cars threatens environmental havoc

"The US’s transition to electric vehicles could require three times as much lithium as is currently produced for the entire global market, causing needless water shortages, Indigenous land grabs, and ecosystem destruction inside and outside its borders, new research finds.

"It warns that unless the US’s dependence on cars in towns and cities falls drastically, the transition to lithium battery-powered electric vehicles by 2050 will deepen global environmental and social inequalities linked to mining – and may even jeopardize the 1.5C global heating target.

"But ambitious policies investing in mass transit, walkable towns and cities, and robust battery recycling in the US would slash the amount of extra lithium required in 2050 by more than 90%."

EVs aren’t about saving the planet – their purpose is to save the car industry!

[thefrontierfacade]

the white artisanal miner

You fucks wouldn’t be demanding “eco friendly” electric crap if it was your kids mining cobalt with their bare hands. May the batteries burn down the world, lest we be cast unto to the li-ion’s den.

[electriride23]

Benefits of Electric UTVs

UTVs (Utility Task Vehicles) have been around for a while, providing a versatile option for off-road transportation. However, as technology advances and concerns about environmental impact grow, more and more people are turning to electric UTVs. There are several benefits to using an electric UTV, which we will explore in this article.

First and foremost, electric UTVs are much more environmentally friendly than their gas-powered counterparts. Electric UTVs produce zero emissions, making them a cleaner option for those who want to explore the great outdoors without leaving a big carbon footprint. With concerns about climate change and air pollution becoming more urgent, switching to an electric UTV can be a small but significant step towards a more sustainable future.

Another major advantage of electric UTVs is their quiet operation. Gas-powered UTVs can be loud and disruptive, disturbing the peace and tranquility of natural environments. Electric UTVs, on the other hand, run silently, allowing riders to enjoy the sounds of nature without the added noise pollution. This also makes them a great option for those who live in residential areas, as they won't disturb their neighbors when being used.

Electric UTVs are also more efficient and cost-effective in the long run. While the initial purchase price may be higher than a gas-powered UTV, electric UTVs are much cheaper to operate over time. Electric UTVs require less maintenance and have lower fuel costs, as they can be charged from a regular electrical outlet at a fraction of the cost of gasoline. Additionally, electric UTVs have fewer moving parts than gas-powered ones, reducing the likelihood of mechanical failures and the need for expensive repairs.

One of the biggest advantages of electric UTVs is their versatility. They can be used for a variety of tasks, from farming and ranching to hunting and recreation. Electric UTVs have a high torque output, making them ideal for hauling heavy loads or towing equipment. They also have excellent off-road capabilities, allowing riders to navigate rough terrain with ease. And with the added benefit of being environmentally friendly, electric UTVs are a great option for those who want to do their work or play without damaging the environment.

Finally, electric UTVs are easy and convenient to operate. Unlike gas-powered UTVs, which require regular oil changes, tune-ups, and fueling, electric UTVs require little maintenance beyond keeping the battery charged. They are also easy to start, with no need to pull on a starter cord or prime the engine. This makes them a great option for those who want to spend more time riding and less time maintaining their vehicle.

In conclusion, electric UTVs offer a variety of benefits over gas-powered UTVs. They are more environmentally friendly, quieter, more efficient and cost-effective in the long run, versatile, and easy to operate. While the initial purchase price may be higher, the long-term benefits make electric UTVs a worthwhile investment for those who want to enjoy the great outdoors while minimizing their impact on the environment.

For more info, visit: Adult UTVs – ElectriRide (electri-ride.com)