A lithium-ion (aka Li-ion) battery consists of two nodes: an anode (negative) and cathode (positive), separated by materials that help electrons flow between the nodes. The anode is typically graphite, but the cathode can be various lithiated metal oxides. Because the active material in the cathode is the distinguishing factor. The lithium-ion battery supply chain begins with mining the minerals and ores that make up the battery materials. The figure below shows the average mineral composition of a Li-ion. The sourcing, and thus pricing of lithium has been a big question mark in 2022 as researchers worry about the future supply in an increasingly battery. In 2021, the Federal Consortium for Advanced Batteries within the Department of Energy outlined a National Blueprint for Lithium Batteriesthrough 2030. The plan's vision can be summarized. In the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), the 2010 electric vehicle tax credits have been updated and expanded. One of the most contested updates is criteria that are motivated by increasing.
