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Electric Cars Misunderstood

September 24, 2018/in In the News/by Gray Leigh

Electric cars are a staple of urban life

Electric Cars Becoming More Common

Despite the 2016 election, electric cars are becoming a common sight on North American roads. Each month, EV manufacturers break sales records, suggesting the industry is more than a ‘fad.’

Boosting such excitement is success abroad. China is the global champion when it comes to plug-in vehicles, and Scandinavian countries have been predictably big on green tech.

Tesla routinely tops monthly N.A. sales polls

However, the American market is currently dominated by Tesla. In August, its Model 3 comprised nearly half of all domestic plug-in sales.

EV adoption is expected to improve China’s air quality

Chinese Electric Cars Dominate

While the American EV industry is only just beginning to realize its potential, demand for electric cars in China has persisted for years.

With government subsidies and a smoggy skyline, over 43% of all EVs were Chinese-made in 2016.

Furthermore, a waitlist plagues aspiring EV owners in China’s megacities. Some city-dwellers report waits of up to 4 years.

EV battery prices continue to fall

EV Prices to Fall

Globally, potential buyers have two worries. First: if money isn’t an issue: battery range. However, this problem is easily solved (discussed below).

Second, plug-ins are too damn expensive.

Time will solve this problem. Currently, manufacturers and progressive governments direct funding to two things: improving charging infrastructure and increasing vehicle range.

As lithium-ion batteries improve and charging stations become more common, reducing price will be the next target.

EVs are easily charged at home

Electric Cars are Misunderstood

Above all, misconceptions and misinformation plague EV adoption. A survey conducted by BC Hydro found that 90% of people believe standard outlets can’t charge batteries.

Even more surprising, most people don’t know what the acronym EV stands for.

In addition, many doubt the range of a standard lithium-ion battery. Worry not: energy density is increasing 5-8% per year and charging stations are easier to find than ever.

After all, a little bit of education goes a long way.

Ultra Lithium Inc. A team of clean energy experts with a finger on the pulse of mining news, ULI is a lithium exploration company with holdings in Argentina, Canada and the US (TSX-V:ULI, OTCQB: ULTXF and Frankfurt: QFB).

Emissions in China: 100% EVs by 2030

September 19, 2018/in In the News/by Gray Leigh

Emissions Push Government to Lofty Goal

Carbon emissions in China fuel the nation’s EV push

The world’s roads are electrifying quickly. This is great news for China, a country with heavily-polluted six megacities.

Residents rarely enjoy clear skies, as carbon emissions ensure a thick haze blocks any view.

The Chinese government has responded to this crisis with a lofty goal: zero gas-powered vehicle sales by 2030.

China isn’t Going Electric Alone

emissions-Volkswagen-VW-electric vehicle-ev

Western auto companies like VW are now making EVs

While Tesla leads the North American EV market in sales, Chinese manufacturers lead the world.

BYD (Build Your Dreams), Byton, BAIC and other Chinese firms set sales records every year.

In response, Western auto titans like BMW and Volkswagen enter the EV game.

Consequently, EV power stations will outnumber gas stations in the not-too-distant future.

America Goes Electric, but Slower

America has only one lithium mine, in Nevada

An underreported executive order was signed in late 2017. It challenges a commonly held belief about the Trump administration.

It identifies 23 minerals deemed critical to America’s economy and security. Of no surprise, lithium tops the list.

Rest assured, America is not anti-green. National emissions levels continue to drop at record levels.

Lithium the Key to Reducing Emissions Levels

EV automobile production and sales are booming in China

Lithium resources in the US exceed 5.5 million tonnes.

However, the global hegemon isn’t a major lithium producer. Instead, South America and Australia lead the pack.

Lithium powers laptop, smartphone and EV batteries. A global shortage has caused demand to rise.

China the World’s Leading Lithium Consumer

China is the world’s leading lithium-ion manufacturer

In terms of lithium-ion battery consumption, China leads the world. The same goes for battery production.

A nation whose megacities pollute the skylines of even its smallest villages, the communist state is committed to improving air quality.

EV subsidies and a massive ownership waitlist are promising.

This is great news for a region where oxygen bars replace nature walks.

Ultra Lithium Inc. A team of lithium experts with a finger on the pulse of clean energy news, Ultra Lithium is a lithium exploration company with holdings in Argentina, Canada and the US (TSX-V:ULI, OTCQB: ULTXF and Frankfurt: QFB).

Lithium Uses: Glass and Ceramics

September 7, 2018/in In the News/by Matthew Schade

Lithium uses go beyond car batteries

Lithium is about much more than batteries. Consumer electronics and electric vehicles account for only half of global lithium consumption. Surprisingly, lithium uses are diverse.

This misconception helps shape lithium market prices. Some believe undersupply is responsible for recent stagnation. Meanwhile, others suggest the world’s largest lithium consumer is responsible.

China is the world’s leading lithium importer

It has recently invested in lithium extraction projects of its own. Some of these projects are starting to bear fruit.

But lithium uses go beyond batteries. Lithium market price is closely tied to green transportation. Yes, EV manufacturers influence these valuations but don’t tell the whole story.

Now, let’s look at lithium uses in glass and ceramics.

Lithium Uses in Ceramics and Glass

Little-known lithium uses – Blue ceramic pottery in Okinawa

1) Reduces Thermal Expansion
Take a look at that family heirloom in your hallway. Why doesn’t it expand in the summertime?

Lithium is responsible.

Glass-ceramic cooktops are the best example of this. Lithium holds the moulding in place. As a result, no thermal resistance or expansion.

2) Increases Mould Strength
Lithium increases ceramic body strength. This improves durability.

So, go ahead and place that 20-year-old pot on a wobbly pillar in the front hall.

3) Ensures Colour Consistency
When applied to mixtures like cement, lithium reduces colour change. Without it, base ceramic colours influence colouration.

That’s why the hallway pot remains the same colour after all these years.

4) Improves Durability
Lithium is a major reason why windows don’t wilt under pressure. Normal windows are double-glazed, with two glass panes separated by an air gap. This helps with insulation and soundproofing.

Lithium is used to insulate windows from the sun

However, better windows use lithium. A thin layer of the lightest metal on earth keeps your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer

5) Increases Melt Rate and Lowers Viscosity
Lithium drastically reduces corrosion rates. It also ensures glass erodes slowly. Converting to an oxide while heating, lithium improves the physical properties of your kitchen window.

So, you can thank lithium for your ovenware. Without it, baked goods would be harder to make.

Now you know: lithium glass and lithium ceramics colour your world.

Lithium Market Price and Lithium Uses

Electric vehicles are expected to become more valuable. However, lithium exploration projects in Argentina aren’t exclusively tied to batteries.

Now you know: Ceramics and glass have played a major role in day-to-day life for decades.

Many technological advances in these areas are because of lithium. Even if you’ve never driven a Tesla, know that lithium affects your life every time you look outside your office window.

Or reach for that last cupcake.

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