Skip to content

Are battery bottlenecks an acceptable price for quality EVs?

Numerous challenges face the battery supply chain in Europe and North America. Manufacturers may have to grit their teeth in the short-term. By Freddie Holmes

More than 2.1 million electric vehicles (EVs) were sold globally in 2019, and sales are expected to soar to 3.4 million units in 2021. Market share remains in the low single digits, but there are concerns that the supply chain may struggle with such a spike in demand.

Can the EV battery supply chain keep up with demand?

Benedikt Sobotka, Co-Chair of the Global Battery Alliance (GBA), believes there are a number of areas where the supply chain must adapt. He is well placed to comment on this sector: the GBA currently counts more than 70 members across the EV ecosystem, including automakers, suppliers, international organisations and non-profit foundations. He is also Chief Executive of Eurasian Resources Group (ERG), a large producer of cobalt and copper.

Speaking to Automotive World, Sobotka explained why western nations must make an effort to reduce their dependence on China, how new cell chemistries are causing delays, and why raw materials could soon be stockpiled as demand ramps up. 

Production begins of the new Nissan LEAF in Europe
Rising demand for EVs could lead to price hikes and risk of delayed deliveries

How would you describe the global EV battery supply chain today?

It is a huge industry that is being built out. By some estimates, demand for

It’s time to log in (or subscribe).

Not a member? Subscribe now and let us help you understand the future of mobility.

Pro
£495/year
or £49.50/month
1 user
News
yes
Magazine
yes
Articles
yes
Special Reports
yes
Research
no
OEM Tracker
no
OEM Model Plans
no
OEM Production Data
no
OEM Sales Data
no
Pro+
£1,950/year
or £195/month
1 user
News
yes
Magazine
yes
Articles
yes
Special Reports
yes
Research
yes
OEM Tracker
yes
OEM Model Plans
yes
OEM Production Data
yes
OEM Sales Data
yes
Pro+ Team
£3,950/year
or £395/month
Up to 5 users
News
yes
Magazine
yes
Articles
yes
Special Reports
yes
Research
yes
OEM Tracker
yes
OEM Model Plans
yes
OEM Production Data
yes
OEM Sales Data
yes
Pro+ Enterprise
Unlimited
News
yes
Magazine
yes
Articles
yes
Special Reports
yes
Research
yes
OEM Tracker
yes
OEM Model Plans
yes
OEM Production Data
yes
OEM Sales Data
yes

Related Content

Welcome back , to continue browsing the site, please click here