Welche Firma beliefert Tesla mit Lithium

Tesla's lithium sourcing strategy involves multiple suppliers and partnerships. Here are the key points regarding Tesla's lithium supply chain:

1. Diversified Supply Chain: Tesla works with multiple battery suppliers, including Panasonic and LG Energy Solutions. The company has also signed a three-year lithium supply agreement with Ganfeng Lithium, a leading lithium producer based in China.
2. New Refinery Projects: Tesla is planning to bring the supply chain for cheaper lithium iron phosphate batteries to the U.S. by expanding its battery facility in Sparks, Nevada, and purchasing idle equipment from its Chinese supplier, Contemporary Amperex Technology Limited (CATL). The company is also considering investing in new lithium refining projects, such as the one in Texas.
3. Strategic Partnerships: Tesla has formed strategic partnerships to secure its lithium supply. For example, the company has partnered with Sila Nanotechnologies to acquire innovative nano-composite silicon anode material for electric vehicle lithium-ion batteries. Tesla is also collaborating with Schlumberger New Energy and Panasonic Energy of North America to validate and optimize an innovative and sustainable lithium extraction and production process.
4. Refining Innovation: Tesla is exploring new methods of lithium production, such as extracting lithium from clay, which could reduce dependence on traditional mining methods. The company has also invested in new lithium-rich tenements in Nevada and is looking into new ways to produce lithium from clay, which is yet to be proven at commercial scale.
5. Market Trends and Challenges: Despite the efforts to secure supply, rising costs for other key battery metals and the slowdown in global EV sales have led to a decrease in prices and a challenging market environment for lithium suppliers. This has led companies like Panasonic to consider delaying investment in new battery plants.

In conclusion, Tesla's approach to lithium sourcing is multifaceted, involving both established and emerging suppliers, as well as innovative refining methods. The company's strategy includes securing supply agreements, investing in new refining technologies, and exploring new regions for lithium production. However, the industry faces challenges due to fluctuating metal prices and the evolving global EV market trends.