Siddharth Kara Discusses the Lack of Accountability in Sourcing Cobalt from Congo Mines
Tesla Motors, for example, announced earlier this year that 50% of their EV production had eliminated cobalt entirely. Instead moving toward LFP batteries for most models in their lineup.
Three-quarters of all cobalt is sourced from unethical mining operations in Congo.
Mr. Kara explains, even today, few companies are actively moving away from cobalt in their lithium-ion batteries.
General Motors' "Ultium" battery platform, Ford Motor Company, NIO, KIA, Rivian, & many more companies currently rely almost entirely on cobalt-dependant battery chemistries.
However, Siddharth did fail to mention that some manufacturers are making huge strides in reducing or eliminating cobalt from their battery supply chains.
CATL, Samsung, Panasonic, & Tesla Motors are some of the leaders in reduced reliance on cobalt batteries. Electing to shift toward Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) batteries for most applications.
Tesla Motors, for example, announced earlier this year that 50% of their EV production had eliminated cobalt entirely. Instead moving toward LFP batteries for most models in their lineup.
In addition, Rivian & LG Chem have announced that they will soon shift toward LFP battery technologies. Although getting the new battery chemistry to volume production will take time.
It took Tesla approximately one & a half years to make the transition to 50% LFP. Therefore, I would expect similar timeframes for Rivian & LG Chem to transition.