Where Does Panasonic Get Its Lithium From?
Panasonic, a major player in the electric vehicle (EV) battery market, is strategically securing its future lithium supplies to meet the escalating global demand for high-performance batteries. While the company's full spectrum of current lithium sources is diverse and constantly evolving, a significant upcoming supply for its battery ventures is slated to come from North America.
Strategic Lithium Sourcing for EV Battery Ventures
A crucial agreement has been established for an electric vehicle battery venture, jointly owned by Toyota Motor and Panasonic Holdings, to obtain lithium from a key U.S. mine. This partnership underscores Panasonic's commitment to ensuring a stable and geographically diversified raw material supply chain.
- Primary Future Source: The principal upcoming source for this battery venture's lithium will be the Rhyolite Ridge project. This project is located in Nevada, USA, offering a domestic supply route for North American battery production.
- Supplier: The lithium will be supplied by ioneer, an Australian company that operates the Rhyolite Ridge mine.
- Production Timeline: Lithium production from the Rhyolite Ridge project is projected to commence in 2025. This timing aligns with the anticipated growth in EV battery manufacturing needs in the coming years.
This strategic deal for lithium from the Rhyolite Ridge project is a significant step in Panasonic's long-term planning, bolstering the supply chain for its advanced battery technologies, particularly those powering the next generation of electric vehicles.
