The lithium laptop batteries problem

Just as we already have a problem with peak oil, there may be a similar paucity in the world's capacity to produce lithium, the miracle metal key to so many automakers' future plans for hybrid and electric vehicles. This lightest metal in the periodic table started gaining prominence as a material used for laptop batteries production, thanks to the relatively high energy density and comparatively light weight of lithium ion cells. But whether they are the lithium cobalt batteries used in portable devices or the newer lithium phosphate or lithium manganese formulations developed for cars, all use a base of lithium metal, which is most easily extracted from salt brine. On the pessimistic side, there is William Tahil, author of the research paper The Trouble with Lithium, who estimates the world's lithium reserves at about four million tons. He claims the production of hybrid and electric cars will soon tax the world's production of lithium carbonate. SQM S.A., Chile's largest producer of lithium carbonate, says there is plenty for about five million electric vehicles. According to Time magazine, Morales is adamant that battery production -- not just lithium mining -- become a source of revenue for his impoverished country, which has cost implications for the already costly technology. Still, the questions remain: Will there be enough lithium for electric cars?