As innovative technology starts to rev up around the globe so does innovative tech for the electric car (EV) industry.

Despite some slowdowns in the global EV market, the demand for battery materials continues to rise. This rise in battery demand however is now moving away from the need to use cobalt. 

This may come as a bit of a blow for the Cook Islands Government and the mining companies currently exploring our deep ocean seabed. This is because cobalt is one of the main target metals found within the polymetallic rocks the Cook Islands is wanting to mine.

A shift towards using more easily accessible material that is ethically sourced is now gaining momentum.

Taking a closer look at electric vehicles, the most expensive part is the lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery, making up around 40 per cent of the vehicle’s cost. The materials used in these batteries directly impact the EVs performance. They determine how far an EV can travel on a single charge, how fast it can accelerate, and how long the battery lasts.

Today, many car manufacturers are working to reduce or eliminate cobalt in their batteries because it is expensive, toxic and rare. There are also ethical concerns related to mining practices in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and potentially the oceans surrounding the Cook Islands and in the Clarion Clipperton Zone.

Some companies are looking to exclude minerals extracted using unethical practices. These companies include Google, Samsung, Volvo, BMW and Mercedes Benz, among others. In addition, the European Union from February 2027 will be initiating “battery passports” for EVs sold in Europe. A ‘battery passport’ will effectively trace details regarding the source and nature of the materials used in their production.

Alternatives to using nickel-manganese-cobalt battery cells include the cheaper and ethical option of lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) cells, which don’t contain cobalt or nickel. Though LFP batteries have lower energy density, making them less suitable for long-range vehicles, they are still a popular choice for short-distance travellers like city dwellers or those who live on small islands. Some Tesla vehicles also use these batteries for their standard range models.

Another innovative alternative that’s gaining attention is sodium-based batteries, basically batteries powered by salt! While sodium is heavier than lithium, it is cheaper and easier to obtain, though offers lower performance than lithium-ion batteries. Despite this, sodium batteries have the potential to become 20-30 per cent cheaper and are seen as a good solution for applications like renewable energy storage.

Future battery designs that use more accessible materials like manganese and titanium, could offer a higher energy density. Researchers believe these batteries, named DRX, could be commercially available within five years.

With battery technology evolving rapidly, we expect the future of battery technologies to shift towards using environmentally friendly materials that have also been ethically sourced. These will have a minimal impact on our environment and communities. On top of supporting a circular economy, waste minimisng system will play a huge role in shaping the battery industry.

As demand for EVs and battery materials rises, flexibility and innovation will remain key in meeting the needs of the future automotive market.