Cobalt-free batteries reign in Chinese EVs. Why not the US?

This NPR podcast episode discusses the shift away from cobalt batteries in electric vehicles (EVs), focusing on the role of China in this transition. Initially, cobalt batteries were favored due to their high energy density, but concerns about their high cost, ethical sourcing (child labor in the Democratic Republic of Congo), and safety issues emerged. China's initial subsidies favored cobalt batteries, but a shift in subsidy structure towards cost-effectiveness led to the rise of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, driven by innovations from BYD and CATL. These innovations, including improved battery design and integration into the car's structure, allowed LFP batteries to achieve comparable range to cobalt batteries. While China now uses LFP batteries in approximately 80% of its new EVs, the US is lagging, with less than 10% using LFP batteries in 2024. Ford's recent announcement to use LFP batteries, licensing technology from CATL, highlights the US's efforts to catch up, raising questions about the future of American versus Chinese battery technology dominance.