The key minerals in an electric vehicle

Picture credit: Paola Rojas

A lithium-ion battery, which powers almost all electric vehicles (EVs), is dependent on a number of essential minerals. To maintain the flow of electrical current, certain minerals form complex components inside the cell. Others shield it from external harm by accident.

Key Minerals in EV Batteries

Lithium: A crucial component of lithium-ion batteries, lithium is essential for energy storage. It is typically found in two forms: lithium carbonate and lithium hydroxide, with the former being used in lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries and the latter in nickel-rich chemistries like NMC (nickel manganese cobalt) and NCA (nickel cobalt aluminum) batteries. Approximately 6 kg of lithium is used in an average 60 kWh EV battery, accounting for about 3.2% of the total mineral weight.

Cobalt: This mineral enhances battery stability and safety. In NMC batteries, cobalt acts as a stabilizer alongside nickel and manganese. An average battery contains about 8 kg of cobalt, making up 4.3% of the total mineral weight.

Nickel: Increasingly favored for its ability to enhance energy density, nickel is a major component in many modern EV battery chemistries. An average battery uses around 29 kg of nickel, which constitutes 15.7% of the mineral content. Nickel-rich chemistries are becoming more common due to consumer demand for longer driving ranges.

Manganese: Often used alongside nickel and cobalt in cathodes, manganese contributes to battery safety and performance. The typical amount found in an EV battery is about 10 kg, representing 5.4% of the total weight.

Graphite: Serving as the primary material for anodes, graphite is the single largest mineral component in an EV battery, with around 52 kg used per average battery, which is about 28.1% of the total mineral weight. Its properties contribute to a long cycle life and lower costs compared to alternatives.

Aluminum: Used in various parts of the battery including casings and current collectors, aluminum accounts for approximately 35 kg, or 18.9%, of the total weight.

Copper: Essential for electrical conductivity, copper is used in current collectors within the battery and typically amounts to about 20 kg, making up 10.8% of the total weight.

Steel: Used primarily for casing protection, steel also weighs around 20 kg, contributing another 10.8% to the total mineral composition.

Summary Table of Mineral Composition

Mineral	Role	Amount (kg)	% of Total Weight
Graphite	Anode	52	28.1
Aluminum	Cathode/Casing/Collectors	35	18.9
Nickel	Cathode	29	15.7
Copper	Current Collectors	20	10.8
Steel	Casing	20	10.8
Manganese	Cathode	10	5.4
Cobalt	Cathode	8	4.3
Lithium	Cathode	6	3.2
Iron	Cathode	5	2.7
Total		185 kg	100%

As the demand for electric vehicles continues to grow, understanding these minerals’ roles is crucial not only for production but also for addressing supply chain challenges associated with their extraction and processing.