Jan 26, 2022

How the rising cost of lithium affects the electric car landscape

Panasonic lithium ion batteries are shown at a 2018 convention in Las Vegas. (David Becker/Getty Images)

Also today: The Commerce Department says some U.S. manufacturers have less than a five-day supply of computer chips. We also examine the possibility of Russia cutting off its gas supply to Europe, and if the U.S. and others can pick up the slack.

Segments From this episode

If Russia cuts off Europe's gas supply, the U.S. and allies pledge they'll shore up supplies

by Mitchell Hartman

Jan 26, 2022

More than one-third of Europe's natural gas supplies come from Russia.

if Russia cut natural gas supplies to Europe, the U.S. and its allies would find it difficult to immediately meet all of Europe’s needs.

Sean Gallup/Getty Images

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The price of lithium is way up. And right now, electric cars depend on it.

by Stephanie Hughes

Jan 26, 2022

The metal is a key ingredient in the batteries that power all those electric cars.

The price of lithium, used in the batteries of electric vehicles, has increased by more than 40% in the past year.

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

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The team

David Brancaccio Host

Victoria Craig Host, BBC

Stephen Ryan Senior Producer, BBC

Jonathan Frewin Producer, BBC

Jay Siebold Technical Director

Meredith Garretson Morbey Senior Producer

Alex Schroeder Producer

Erika Soderstrom Producer

Rose Conlon Producer

Redmond Carolipio Digital Producer

Jesson Duller Media Producer

Brian Allison Technical Director

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