Possibilities of minimising cobalt usage in the electric passenger car industry

Abstract

Lithium-ion batteries are an essential and important part of the future, and play a crucial role in fulfilling the Paris agreement and the building of a sustainable future. Battery electric cars are pointed out as a key solution to electrify the transport industry and the majority of electric cars today are equipped with NMC batteries. Due to shortage and the complex supply chains, high price and the poor working conditions associated with cobalt mining, the industry works to phase out cobalt and replace cobalt-rich NMC batteries with different cathode chemistries containing less cobalt. By using literature studies and manufacturing coin cells with different cathode chemistries, this report aims to investigate whether alternative cathodes can be used today or within the near future. The investigated cathodes were examined in terms of cost, performance, safety, environmental- and social sustainability. Moreover, interviews with two representatives from the industry were conducted to discuss industry information and deepen the general comprehension of large scale battery production. The conclusion that could be drawn was that there are several possible alternative cathode chemistries without cobalt. However, all examined cathode chemistries have advantages and limitations that make different cell chemistries better suited depending on the usage.Lithium-ion batteries are an essential and important part of the future, and play a crucial role in fulfilling the Paris agreement and the building of a sustainable future. Battery electric cars are pointed out as a key solution to electrify the transport industry and the majority of electric cars today are equipped with NMC batteries. Due to shortage and the complex supply chains, high price and the poor working conditions associated with cobalt mining, the industry works to phase out cobalt and replace cobalt-rich NMC batteries with different cathode chemistries containing less cobalt. By using literature studies and manufacturing coin cells with different cathode chemistries, this report aims to investigate whether alternative cathodes can be used today or within the near future. The investigated cathodes were examined in terms of cost, performance, safety, environmental- and social sustainability. Moreover, interviews with two representatives from the industry were conducted to discuss industry information and deepen the general comprehension of large scale battery production. The conclusion that could be drawn was that there are several possible alternative cathode chemistries without cobalt. However, all examined cathode chemistries have advantages and limitations that make different cell chemistries better suited depending on the usage.