AA – Abhishek’s Attic (place to store stuff to clear my head)!

Short notes on Li-ion batteries:

1. Lithium-ion batteries have revolutionized the world by powering smartphones, laptops, and wireless headphones.

2. Revenues from lithium-ion batteries are expected to increase to $700bn a year by 2035.

3. Invented in the 1970s and commercialized in 1991 by Sony, lithium-ion batteries are smaller and lighter than previous rechargeable batteries.

4. The global demand for lithium-ion batteries is expected to reach 280 GWh in 2025, up from 150 GWh in 2020.

5. The main challenges to the rollout of lithium-ion batteries are the high cost of the batteries ($100-200 per kWh) and the limited supply of lithium (about 80% of the world’s lithium reserves are located in China).

6. The environmental impact of mining lithium is also a concern, as it can pollute water resources and create dust storms.

7. The safety of lithium-ion batteries is another challenge, as they have been known to catch fire or explode.

8. Two main branches of lithium-ion tech are vying for supremacy: NMC and LFP.

9. NMC batteries are used in the majority of electric vehicles in the West due to their longer range.

10. LFP batteries are dominant in China due to their higher safety levels, lower cost, and manufacturing breakthroughs.

11. The cathode chemistry battle will affect the supply and demand of lithium, nickel, cobalt, and manganese.

12. Western start-ups and Korean battery makers are working to develop their own LFP technology.

13. The choice for the US and Europe represents the delicate balance between reducing reliance on China and maintaining access to competitive and affordable technologies.