As with the production of all goods, it is important that materials are ethically-sourced and environmental impacts are minimised. While there have been issues with the supply of some battery minerals, such as cobalt, many carmakers are ensuring the minerals they source are traceable, and that there is transparency in being able to know the source.
Many EV manufacturers are now also adopting battery chemistries that do not include minerals like cobalt, such as lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries.
Australia is already a major supplied of lithium, nickel, copper and cobalt – all important minerals for the manufacturing of EVs. Our country is well placed to further expand supply of critical minerals to support EV manufacturing globally, in an ethically and environmentally-responsible manner.