Lithium-ion batteries are a critical component of electric vehicles and require significant amounts of lithium, either lithium hydroxide or lithium carbonate. California alone requires that by 2035, 100% of new cars and light trucks sold in the state will be zero emission vehicles. The Californian market is modeled by world markets, which has solidified the global energy transition to electrification.

China’s control of the lithium refining industry has significant implications for the global electric vehicle industry and the transition to a cleaner energy future. As the demand for lithium-ion batteries continues to grow, the ability of China to control the supply and prices of key components like lithium hydroxide can have a significant impact on the cost and availability of electric vehicles.