What is the demand for nickel in new energy vehicles?
2 Answers
With the increase in nickel metal content in new energy vehicles, under the same conditions, the battery's range will be improved. Concept: Refers to various forms of energy other than traditional energy sources. It includes energy sources that are just beginning to be developed and utilized or are being actively researched and awaiting promotion, such as solar energy, geothermal energy, wind energy, ocean energy, biomass energy, and nuclear fusion energy. Characteristics: Abundant resources, generally with renewable characteristics, can be used sustainably by humans. Currently, except for hydropower, the development and utilization costs of renewable energy are higher than those of fossil fuels. Compared with traditional sulfide nickel ores, laterite nickel ores have richer resource reserves, higher grades, and lower mining difficulty. However, due to the complex composition of laterite nickel ores, the smelting technology requirements are high, making utilization difficult.
While researching electric vehicles, I found that nickel plays a particularly crucial role in new energy vehicle batteries, as it accounts for a significant proportion of the materials in ternary lithium batteries, enhancing energy density and allowing the car to travel farther on a single charge. With the rapid expansion of the new energy vehicle market, the demand for nickel has surged, and global production is struggling to keep pace. This has created supply chain challenges, potentially leading to material shortages and price increases. Manufacturers are actively working on developing alternatives, such as reducing reliance on cobalt or directly extracting nickel from recycled batteries. I believe this trend will have long-term implications—if we don’t manage resources promptly, the cost of electric vehicles may rise in the future. Recycling technology holds great potential, turning waste batteries into valuable resources. In summary, nickel is a cornerstone of new energy vehicle development, but sustainable solutions must be addressed to ensure the industry progresses healthily.
