COBALT IN EV BATTERIES? THE STORY OF COBALT AND ITS IMPORTANCE TO BATTERIES AND ELECTRIC CARS

EV Channels Review

This episode of Fully Charged delves into the critical role of cobalt in electric vehicle batteries, tracing its history from ancient ceramics to modern energy storage. The review highlights cobalt's essential function in stabilizing lithium-ion battery cathodes, as discovered by John Goodenough. However, it confronts the significant ethical and sourcing challenges, with 75% of the world's cobalt originating from the DRC, often involving artisanal mining with associated risks of unsafe practices and child labor. The program discusses efforts to improve ethical sourcing through 'model mines' and the ongoing research into cobalt-free battery chemistries, such as lithium-sulfur, and reduced-cobalt alternatives like 80% nickel cathodes. A key takeaway is the complexity and energy cost of battery recycling, emphasizing the need for a circular economy approach to maintain the environmental benefits of EVs. The verdict is that while cobalt has been crucial, the future likely lies in its reduction or elimination, with a strong push towards more sustainable and ethically sourced battery materials.