Q: Why is graphite so important for EV battery makers?
A: EV batteries contain four basic components: anode, cathode, electrolyte, and separator. While there is much focus on the cathode materials – lithium, nickel, cobalt, manganese, etc. – the predominant anode material used in virtually all EV batteries is graphite.
Overall, EV Li-ion batteries contain about 28% graphite by weight. As both an extremely effective conductor and readily available material, graphite is particularly suitable for Li-ion batteries, as the spaces within the crystal lattice of graphite is suitable for hosting Li-ions in order to store energy in a charged battery, a process known as intercalation. Therefore, if EV battery makers are to meet the burgeoning demand for EVs, a dependable and plentiful supply of specialized graphite is important.
Tirupati Graphite PLC (LON:TGR) is a fully integrated specialist graphite and graphene producer, with operations in Madagascar and India, with a vision of developing a world-leading benchmark flake graphite company.
