Making Lithium Batteries Without Rare Earths From China

Battery Technology & Innovation - A company has invented a lithium metal battery that replaces graphite with pure lithium metal and uses a vanadium cathode, sourced outside of China [2][3][6] - The lithium metal battery achieves 400 watt-hours per kilogram, representing a step change in energy density [6][14] - This battery technology is positioned as the third commercialized battery type, aiming to displace lithium-ion batteries [7] Supply Chain & Manufacturing - The United States currently lacks the capacity to produce rare earths and battery materials at scale, leading to dependence on China for graphite, a key component in lithium-ion batteries [1][2][5] - The company's battery materials are 62% less expensive than those sourced from China [9] - The battery is projected to cost approximately $27 per kilowatt-hour at the materials level [9] - Manufacturing costs are expected to be substantially lower than lithium-ion batteries due to the elimination of formation cycles, which constitute 35% of CapEx in lithium-ion battery facilities [9] Strategic & Governmental Support - The company is building a prototype pilot facility to scale up lithium metal production from brine and integrate it into battery manufacturing [11][12] - There is broad support from the US administration for a domestic battery supply chain, particularly for military applications, given the current stockpile of only 30 days of batteries [13][14] - The Ex-Im Bank has issued a letter of interest to fund the company's first gigawatt-hour production facility [14]