Due to the CO2 emissions that are seriously affecting the world, many car manufacturers have to electric vehicles is targeted. Many giant companies plan to reduce their carbon footprint by giving up internal combustion engines and reducing reliance on fossil fuels altogether.

However, it should be noted that there is a major obstacle for manufacturers in the transition to electrification of cars. This is the presence of rare elements used in vehicle rechargeable batteries. According to authorities used in batteries lithium The extraction of the element has become very difficult due to environmental impacts and costs. That’s why Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, the world’s largest manufacturer of electric vehicles, thinks the company can take steps in this direction.

Tesla can start mining lithium

First, let’s talk briefly about the environmental issues associated with lithium mining. According to the authorities, the removal of this element, which is of great importance for electric vehicles; pollute water resources, increase greenhouse gases, damage fertile soils and living ecosystems, and create large amounts of waste has such potential. This situation shows that the use of lithium, which is expected to create a ‘clean’ future, is creating a contradiction in electric vehicles, whose mining appears to cause major pollution.

It should be noted that there has been a global lithium crisis due to reasons such as the increase in demand for electric cars, and lithium prices have increased by more than 450% in the past 12 months. Tesla CEO Elon Musk also tweeted about the topic on Friday, indicating that his company could enter this sector. Drawing attention to the problems experienced with lithium, Musk said in his statements:

†The price of lithium has reached insane levels. Lithium is found all over the world; This means that there is no problem with the element itself, the real problem is: in extraction and purification show that. That’s why Teslacan directly enter mining and refining.†

In addition, let’s say other companies are working to reduce reliance on this hard-to-remove element. Some researchers think zinc could be a good alternative, while others think sodium-ion batteries could be used in electric vehicles. For now, however, it can be produced on a large scale and can match the energy density of lithium-ion batteries. that a complete alternative has not yet been found. can not miss.

Despite the rapid increase in demand, the global chip crisis, inflation problems and the rise in raw material prices are not for the manufacturers of electric vehicles. in a difficult time We can say we are. We’ll see over time whether Tesla will make a move on lithium or if an alternative to this element emerges.