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Electric Vehicle Industry Steadily Grows

September 28, 2018/in In the News/by Gray Leigh

Electric Vehicle Industry Grows at Rapid Pace

Plug-in vehicles are still only accessible to high earners. However, this is expected to change in the coming years as the electric vehicle industry reports consecutive monthly sales records.

The 2018 global market for EVs is around 3 million. Adoption is led by China, while Europe and the US experience record growth.

Meanwhile, each market is dominated by a very small number of producers.

The US has Tesla, Europe has the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance, while China has several state-owned and private companies leading the pack. Most notably, BYD (Build Your Dreams).

Global Electric Vehicle Industry to Hit 125 Million by 2030

This estimate was provided by the International Energy Agency, an intergovernmental agency dedicated to clean energy initiatives.

If this estimate is true, EVs will become a staple of middle-class life in the next decade.

However, only .15% of the world’s cars are electric. This increase means that 12.5% of all vehicles in 2030 will be electric.

While this doesn’t seem like a major change, it demonstrates exponential growth.

Lithium’s Importance to Increase

As zero-emission vehicles grow in popularity, so too will the resource powering them. The electric vehicle industry relies heavily on lithium-ion batteries.

Powered by lithium, the battery’s storage capacity drastically improves. Consequently, both charge range and vehicle cost steadily fall.

However, China owns nearly half of the global lithium supply. With several projects in Africa, South America and Australia, the government is taking steps to improve air quality.

Electric vehicles are central to this effort. After all, zero-emission vehicles can save lives.

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).

Lithium Demand Exceeds Supply

September 18, 2018/in In the News/by Gray Leigh

Lithium Demand Rises

There are many reasons lithium demand exceeds supply.

Electric Vehicles (EVs) increase in popularity. Mobile apps command more attention. Personal computers are a fixture of both home and office life.

Elon Musk and Tesla understand the value of lithium

Lithium powers these technologies.

As a result, the world’s energy requirements have skyrocketed. So has lithium demand.

Most mobile phones can last 24 hours

This is possible even with heavy application use.

However, we ask more of batteries than ever before. More people are working from home and smartphones are no longer a choice.

Increased lithium demand means Smartphone batteries last longer than ever

Smartphones’ Impact Tied to Lithium

Consider the tech sector’s widespread innovation. Most of that brainpower is directed at phones. The result: lower prices on what used to be considered ‘premium’ technologies.

The Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) found that annual phone prices have fallen 15.2% since 2003.

Tech Advances are because of Smartphones

Engineers communicate faster and more efficiently than ever.

Consequently, lithium-ion batteries are becoming more efficient.

As lithium demand soars, so has battery capacity

As Batteries Shrink, Productivity Soars

Lithium-ion batteries are 1.4 times more expensive than lead-acid batteries. They’ve captivated a world addicted to faster processing speeds at lower prices. The only issue: mining lithium is a challenge.

But lithium demand won’t wait.

LinkedIn, Facebook, SalesForce, Bumble and thousands of other applications rely on lithium. After all, a better way to power smartphones doesn’t exist.

How Large is Global Lithium Demand?

The global market for power banks could reach $25 billion by 2022.

This market is likely to grow as the transportation sector electrifies. Securing lithium supply is becoming more important and challenging for manufacturers.

Volkswagen and Tesla Enter the EV Market

Volkswagen’s electric vehicles are expected to rival Tesla’s in popularity

They’ve both rapidly increased production quotas.

Not surprisingly, they aren’t alone.

Lithium Mining Tech hasn’t Matured

The technology used to explore and mine lithium hasn’t matured. Not like oil industry tech.

The science behind oil barrel production has enjoyed years of trial and error.

Meanwhile, society’s thirst for lithium has been sudden, exceeding the technology used to extract it.

South America’s Lithium Triangle the key to meeting global lithium demand

Lithium Demand Leads to the Lithium Triangle

54% of the world’s lithium is found in South America’s “Lithium Triangle.”

This includes Argentina, Chile and Bolivia.

Australia is the world’s leading lithium-producing nation. It holds over 2.7 million Megatonnes (MT) of lithium reserves.

China gets most of its lithium from Australia

The communist state is the world’s largest producer of lithium-ion batteries and EVs. It is also investing heavily in exploration operations elsewhere.

Recently, a $265-million investment in a Canadian exploration project was finalized in 2017.

The Challenges in Finding and Mining Lithium

South America and Australia mine lithium in different ways. These are the world’s top producers.

The path to satisfying global lithium demand goes through them.

Lepidolite mica: will lithium demand ever be satisfied?

In Argentina, Chile and Bolivia, lithium is found in brine.

Here, lithium and cobalt naturally dissolve in natural salt pans called salars.

This process reduces the investment needed to extract lithium.

Evaporating Lithium Takes a While

These natural pools are filled with groundwater.

For now, miners wait for pools to evaporate. Potassium can be found in the early months.

Lithium is the end product, taking 5-6 months to dissolve.

A technological breakthrough would speed things up.

A large lithium pool in Argentina

Australia Uses Hard Rock Mining

Meanwhile, a more expensive method exists.

However, it leaves a larger environmental footprint. Drilling is more expensive than in brine mining, as boring through rock isn’t cheap.

What’s helped Australia is its ability to sell.

Australia and South America Fuel Chinese EVs

This has allowed Australia to spend big on exploration and mining operations.

Meanwhile, major brine producers like Orocobre are reporting less than expected results.

As a result, hard rock mining has attracted buyers with deep pockets.

Consequently, speed is key.

lithium demand-australia-hard rock mining

Hard rock mining in Australia a hefty environmental cost

Lithium Needs Time

The technology behind mining needs to keep pace with lithium demand.

Brine mining is a cheaper, eco-friendlier alternative to hard rock mining.

An Evaporation Pond Tech Advance Would Change Everything

Rich countries like Australia can drill into rock to extract lithium. Developing countries can’t.

EV adoption causes lithium demand to rise

As with any other breakthrough, ‘when’ is more important than ‘if.’

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).

EV Demand Continues to Skyrocket

September 11, 2018/in In the News/by Gray Leigh

EV Demand Not Best in the West

The Green Revolution captivates the world. It’s also changing the transportation industry, leading to a surge in global EV demand.

Tesla’s eccentric CEO dominates news outlets. For most people, he’s top of mind when it comes to clean energy.

Musk sees a very different world in 2038. He believes owning a vehicle without self-driving capabilities will soon be like owning a horse.

To his satisfaction, global EV demand steadily grows.

Prepare to see more charging stations as EV demand skyrockets

The World has Over 1.4 Billion Vehicles

2 million of them are plug-ins. This means that just 0.15% of global transportation is battery-powered.

Tesla and its other EV producers face a mammoth challenge. They must make their vehicles more affordable, and create batteries with more storage capacity.

Wish them luck…

When factories decarbonize, carbon emissions in the US will reduce by over 30%.

Europe Is Miles Ahead of the US

The EU is the 2nd market to surpass 1 million EV sales. Scandinavia leads the charge, while Germany shows solid EV growth.

European charging stations multiply as EV demand grows

But EV sales in the West lag behind Asia’s superpower.

China boasts over 450 EV manufacturers. The populous nation sold over 770,000 plug-ins last year.

Obviously, the West has some catching up to do.

The EV Revolution is About to Take Off

China recently announced a $47 billion EV technology fund. The move gave market watchers perspective.

The message: China is serious about clean transportation.

This is great news for humanity. The communist state can single-handedly accelerate the EV revolution.

Of China’s nearly 30 million 2017 car sales, nearly 3% were electric. Now, this estimate may seem paltry…except when compared to the US.

Less than 200,000 of 18 million American auto sales were plug-ins in 2017. That’s just 1.1%.

A common site in China, where EV demand outstrips supply

US Tariffs Won’t Hurt Chinese EV Sales

It’s unlikely the Trump Administration’s efforts to limit China’s economy will do much damage.

Rather, China isn’t as reliant on American exports as it used to be.

Consider its Belt & Road Initiative (BRI), a plan to connect China with the world.

And don’t forget about its proven ability to weather economic stagnation.

As a result, China owns over half the world’s existing lithium reserves

Its transportation and energy sectors are primed to reap the benefits of overseas investment. Additionally, large lithium deposits are being found in global exploration and mining operations. These are mostly in Africa, South America and Australia.

The Chinese government wants 100% electric vehicles by 2030

It’s obvious why Chinese EV demand is high

Not surprisingly, Xi Jinping is unlikely to invest heavily in oil and gas projects.

The Chinese government is playing its cards right, as global lithium demand is expected to triple by 2025.

Meanwhile, technological advances increase storage capacity and reduce cost.

EV Demand Grows Exponentially

China leads the global charge. In Beijing, there are many reasons to go green. In the meantime, Europe and the US could quadruple sales by 2020.

Surprisingly, a late 2017 executive order goes against Trump’s promise to domestic oil producers.

America’s decision to become self-reliant on lithium exploration and extraction will speed up production. It will also increase EV demand.

The EU’s Desire To Wean Itself Off Russian Oil

EV demand affects the EU-Russia relationship

Consequently, a lithium supply increase could change the zone’s energy situation. These motivations are promising for plug-in manufacturers.

Hopefully, EVs soon become a staple of middle-class life.

Even more promising: producers of self-driving cars are attracted to the long-term benefits.

Talk about thinking ahead.

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.