Does the World Have Enough Lithium for Batteries?

While the world does have enough lithium to power the electric vehicle revolution, it’s less a question of quantity, and more a question of accessibility. Earth has approximately 88 million tonnes of lithium, but only one-quarter is economically viable to mine as reserves.The average lithium mine takes at least a few years to get up and running, which presents problems.Lithium is a chemical element and key component of electric vehicle (EV) batteries that’s also known by another name: “white gold.” That’s because in a future powered by batteries, from our electric cars to our smartphones, lithium is quickly becoming the most valuable commodity on the planet. But unlike the sun, which sends down its energy in limitless abundance through its rays, lithium is a finite material. Once it’s gone, it’s gone. When talking about our desperate need for a green-energy future,…

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