Lithium Batteries for Electric Vehicles: From Economy to Research Strategy

Environmental concerns and governmental policies have paved the path for a rapid shift from petrol-powered to electric vehicles (EVs). The prime technological requirement is the advancement of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) to satisfy the everyday habits of the society for relinquishing the well-established petrol-powered vehicles. Despite the generously increased research funds to facilitate breakthroughs to the next generation of renewable power sources for EVs, the available strategies of research are not satisfactorily practical. On the other hand, recent reports stressing the scarcity of lithium have raised the concern about a possible lithium deficit or increasing cost. These all have caused a sentiment for moving beyond LIBs. Although the emerging hype is the result of a misconception about the scarcity of lithium, again, there is no practical research strategy to make this breakthrough within the present critical time frame of transition to EVs. This article attempts to answer some common questions. Are there sufficient lithium resources? Can a lithium deficient halt the EV industry? Is it necessary to move beyond LIBs? Is the research on the right track? Is the taxpayers’ money efficiently invested for the targeted purpose?