Electric vehicle energy lithium energy large american reserve

Is Saudi Arabia a 'Saudi Arabia of lithium'?

Termed the “ Saudi Arabia of lithium ” by Governor Gavin Newsom, the region’s underground reservoir of scorching hot brine is now estimated to contain enough lithium to produce a staggering 375 million electric vehicle batteries.

Can a lithium reservoir make the US self-sufficient?

While the DOE asserts that the lithium reservoir can make the U.S. self-sufficient in lithium, harnessing and extracting this resource on a commercial scale poses a formidable task. Companies like Berkshire Hathaway Energy and Controlled Thermal Resources are already investing in technologies to extract lithium from the brine efficiently.

How many electric vehicles can a statevolt battery power?

In January 2023, electric vehicle battery maker Statevolt acquired 135 acres in Imperial Valley, California, near the Salton Sea, where it plans to build a 54 GWh lithium-ion battery gigafactory, capable of producing enough batteries to power 650,000 electric vehicles per year. This content is protected by copyright and may not be reused.

Could the US stop importing lithium from China?

“This is one of the largest lithium brine deposits in the world,” said Michael McKibben, a geochemistry professor at the University of California, Riverside, and one of the report's 22 authors. “This could make the United States completely self-sufficient in lithium and stop importing it through China.”

Will GM get lithium from the Salton Sea?

Companies like GM, Stellantis, and Ford are already in partnerships to secure lithium from the Salton Sea, signaling the industry’s confidence in the region’s potential. Despite uncertainties, the dream of a clean energy future, free-flowing domestic lithium, and a surge in skilled jobs remains a powerful incentive.

Why is lithium important?

“Lithium is vital to decarbonizing the economy and meeting President Biden’s goals of 50% electric vehicle adoption by 2030,” said Jeff Marootian, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, in a statement.