Lithium is used for mental illnesses, including bipolar disorder, depression, and schizophrenia. Lithium supplements may also be used for other conditions, but there is limited scientific evidence to support these uses.

The most important use of lithium is in rechargeable batteries for mobile phones, laptops, digital cameras and electric vehicles. Lithium is also used in some non-rechargeable batteries for things like heart pacemakers, toys and clocks.

Li-ion batteries use an intercalated lithium compound as the material at the positive electrode and typically graphite at the negative electrode. The batteries have a high energy density, no memory effect (other than LFP cells) and low self-discharge.

Lithium ion batteries are smaller and more efficient than alternatives. If lithium were to become scarce, it would eventually threaten the production of electric cars, and push up prices in the meantime. The mass-production of electric vehicles has been halted for a long time by an insufficient supply of batteries.

The first and most reliable way to kill a lithium battery is simply to charge it too much. Charge it above 14.6V and rapid cell damage will occur. Resulting in a short circuit in the weakest cell, which then rapidly increases voltage across the other cells.

Unfortunately, the number of lithium-ion batteries available for recycling by 2030 simply will not be enough to cover the growing demand for lithium. According to the US Department of Energy, 11 million metric tons of Li-ion batteries can be expected to reach the end of their service lives between now and 2030.

Australia

In January, the US Bureau of Land Management approved a two-square-mile open-pit mine known as the Thacker Pass in Nevada. When it opens for business in a few years, it will be the nation’s largest source of lithium supply generating 60,000 metric tons of battery-grade lithium carbonate annually.

Tesla’s battery suppliers (at least the largest and officially known) are Panasonic (NCA chemistry), LG Chem’s LG Energy Solution (NCM 811 chemistry) and CATL (LFP chemistry). The last two joined the party in 2020 to supply cells for the Made-in-China (MIC) Model 3/Model Y.

The electric car company Tesla, Inc. has faced dealership disputes in several U.S. states as a result of local laws. In the United States, direct manufacturer auto sales are prohibited in many states by franchise laws requiring that new cars be sold only by independent dealers.

The electric carmaker has struggled with quality issues as it has scaled its production from tens of thousand cars a year to 500,000 in 2020. On social media, customers have documented numerous problems with new Teslas, including large gaps between body panels, poor paint jobs and chipped glass.

If you’ve read this far, then you know that a replacement battery for a Tesla isn’t cheap. Tesla covers manufacturing defects regarding the high voltage battery and associated equipment for 8 years and 150,000 miles (whichever comes first).

Unlike gasoline cars, Tesla cars require no traditional oil changes, fuel filters, spark plug replacements or emission checks.

EVs typically require less maintenance than conventional vehicles because: The battery, motor, and associated electronics require little to no regular maintenance. There are fewer fluids, such as engine oil, that require regular maintenance. Brake wear is significantly reduced due to regenerative braking.

Now Tesla tells owners: “Your Tesla does not require annual maintenance and regular fluid changes,” and instead recommends only periodic, as-needed servicing of brake fluid, pads, and calipers, filters, and air conditioning.

Is a Tesla expensive to insure? The average annual cost to insure a Tesla Model 3 — $2,215 — is nearly 40% higher than the average national cost of car insurance, according to NerdWallet’s analysis. Tesla says its own insurance can save drivers 20% to 30%, but policies are currently available only in California.

First, the biggest savings: no more expensive gas. With 100 miles using 34kWh (about 100 MPG) and electricity costing an average of $0.12/kWh, the yearly cost to drive a Tesla Model S 15,000 miles is $612. Compare that to Toyota (TM) Camry’s 30 MPG and an average cost of gas of $2.40 per gallon.

Tesla offers no discounts or negotiations. The price you see is the price you pay. However, there may be some “inventory” models with a few thousand miles on them (used as “loaners” at service centers and/or customer test drives) that offer a small decrease in price — check at your local Tesla store.