Electric vehicle boom could hit major roadblock in just 5 years

With sales skyrocketing, a shortage of a critical material could halt progress

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The electric vehicle (EV) revolution may be heading for a supply chain snag, according to a new study published in Cell Reports Sustainability. Rapidly rising demand for lithium – the key ingredient in EV batteries – could outstrip domestic supply by the end of the decade.

The analysis focused on China, the US and Europe, which together account for 80 per cent of today's EV sales. Researchers warn that without major changes, these regions will be unable to meet their lithium needs from local sources by 2030 – increasing their reliance on imports and the risk of global shortages.