And it all looks so simple. Copper, nickel, cobalt, aluminium and lithium look set to benefit: copper because an electric vehicle uses around twice the weight of copper as a conventional one and a charging network has to be created, which will be heavily dependent on the metal; nickel and cobalt as the anode and cathode in the battery; aluminium for lightening the body; and lithium as the most effective performing electrolyte. Get long of those metals, and away you go.
A couple of question marks are appearing, though, which make the picture just a little less clear.
The case for copper seems straightforward – its superior electrical conductivity means that it is highly unlikely to be displaced as long as electric motors are the main motive power.
When it comes to the battery constituents,...
