Critical EV battery materials face a supply crunch by 2030
The global shift to electric vehicles (EVs) is accelerating, but McKinsey’s latest report warns of significant strain on the supply chain for critical battery materials by 2030.
EV sales are expected to jump from 4.5 million units in 2023 to 28 million annually by the end of the decade. This unprecedented demand will put pressure on the availability of essential materials like lithium, high-purity manganese, and graphite.
While lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries reduce reliance on scarcer materials like cobalt and nickel, they still depend heavily on lithium, manganese, and graphite. The shift to LFP batteries offers some relief but does not eliminate the imbalances in the supply chain, highlighting the need for continued focus on securing sustainable sources.
Adding to the challenge, upstream raw material mining and refining these materials account for about 40% of an EV battery’s total emissions. McKinsey’s report emphasizes that reducing emissions in these processes is critical.
“Sourcing materials from supplies committed to low-emission fuels and power sources could cut emissions by as much as 80% in mining and refining phases. This needs to be paired with a strong focus on cost reduction given the current profitability pressure in the battery industry,” said Raphael Rettig, partner at McKinsey.
Smaller but essential materials, such as high-purity manganese, also face growing challenges. Currently, manganese contributes around 4% of emissions in a typical lithium-nickel-manganese-cobalt (LI-NMC) battery. However, as LFP batteries gain popularity and larger materials like lithium and nickel are decarbonized, manganese’s relative emissions intensity could nearly double without targeted strategies to address the imbalance.
Toyota’s recent $4.5 million grant from the US Department of Energy to develop more sustainable EV batteries is a step toward addressing these challenges. However, it’s clear that solving the broader supply chain issues will require a collective effort from the entire industry to balance demand with sustainable practices and minimize emissions. The path forward will define the EV industry’s ability to meet climate goals while scaling up production.
Read more: Toyota gets $4.5M DOE grant to boost EV battery sustainability
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Hyundai’s new IONIQ 9 electric SUV already looks like it’s from the future, but the flagship Calligraphy trim stands apart from the other options. The top-tier model gains added tech, features, and sleek trim-exclusive design elements. A new all-black model was spotted in California, giving us a better look at the top-tier trim on the road.
Hyundai IONIQ 9 Calligraphy spotted in all-black
The IONIQ 9 is Hyundai’s first three-row electric SUV, a “living room on wheels,” if you will. Last month, Hyundai unveiled the larger electric SUV at the LA Auto Show.
Featuring Hyundai’s new “Aerosthetic” design, you can miss the IONIQ 9’s futuristic style. The streamlined roof and flush exterior design provide a spacious, “lounge-like” interior. It even includes added elements like Parametric Pixels integrated into the front LED lights and bumper.
The IONIQ 9 will be available in S, SE, SEL, Limited, and a flagship Calligraphy trim options. Hyundai confirmed the top-tier model will have an exclusive Calligraphy Design package with 21″ wheels.
Other trim-specific features added to the Calligraphy model include a microfiber suede roof trim, a premium cargo sill plate, a two-tone leather-wrapped steering wheel, a 10″ Head-Up Display (HUD), and a full-display mirror FDM with HomeLink.
Although Hyundai has shown the flagship SUV off in public, a new video from KindelAuto shows a preproduction IONIQ 9 Calligraphy in all-black testing in the US.
Earlier this month, an IONIQ 9 model was spotted testing in public ahead of deliveries. We also saw what appears to be an XRT trim with off-road upgrades caught in Korea last week.
At 199.2″ long, 78″ wide, and 70.5″ tall, the Hyundai IONIQ 9 is slightly smaller than the Rivian R1S (201″ long, 82″ wide, 77″ tall). It’s roughly the size of Kia’s EV9.
Hyundai’s electric SUV, which is powered by a 110.3 kWh battery pack, has an EPA-estimated range of 335 miles, or 620 km, on the WLTP cycle.
Hyundai’s three-row electric SUV will be available in the US and Korea in the first half of 2025. Following that, it will roll out to global markets like Europe. It will be built alongside the updated 2025 IONIQ 5 at Hyundai’s new manufacturing plant in Georgia. Prices will be revealed closer to launch.
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Environment
Podcast: Tesla self-driving computer failure, Cybertruck issues, Honda/Nissan merger, and more
In the Electrek Podcast, we discuss the most popular news in the world of sustainable transport and energy. In this week’s episode, we discuss Tesla’s issues self-driving computer failure, Cybertruck is also having some problem, Honda/Nissan merger, and more.
The show is live every Friday at 4 p.m. ET on Electrek’s YouTube channel.
As a reminder, we’ll have an accompanying post, like this one, on the site with an embedded link to the live stream. Head to the YouTube channel to get your questions and comments in.
After the show ends at around 5 p.m. ET, the video will be archived on YouTube and the audio on all your favorite podcast apps:
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Here are a few of the articles that we will discuss during the podcast:
Here’s the live stream for today’s episode starting at 4:00 p.m. ET (or the video after 5 p.m. ET):
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Subaru’s electric SUV is significantly cheaper for the 2025 model year. Starting at under $39,000, the 2025 Subaru Solterra is up to $7,000 less than the 2024 model.
Subaru reveals 2025 Solterra price and range
Subaru announced prices for the new 2025 Solterra electric SUV start at just $38,495. That’s a massive $6,500 price cut from the 2024 model year.
The 2025 model is available in the same Premium, Limited, and Touring trims. However, Subaru added a new blacked-out Touring Onyx Edition.
Starting at $45,495, the new Touring Onyx trim gains 10″ aluminum-alloy gloss black wheels, black exterior and interior design elements, and new black badging. Other trims, including the 2025 Subaru Solterra Touring, are much lower priced.
The Limited trim now starts at $41,995, which is $6,500 less than the outgoing model, while the Touring model gets a $7,000 price cut, starting at just $44,995.
All Solterra models feature Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD system for added traction and control. With Dual-Function X-Mode, you can select between Snow/Dirt and Snow/Mud modes for even more traction off-road with features like Grip Control and Downhill Assist.
The electric SUV also features “best-in-class” 8.3″ of ground clearance. For on-road performance, Active Cornering Assist and Vehicle Stability Control are standard.
Inside, the Solterra includes a 12.3″ infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support. Higher trim options include a wireless phone charger.
The powertrain remains unchanged for 2025, with a 72.8 kWh battery providing 227 miles range for the base Premium Solterra. Meanwhile, the Limited, Touring, and new Touring Onyx trims have an EPA-estimated range of 222 miles.
| 2025 Subaru Solterra trim | Starting Price (MSRP) | MSRP plus Destination and Delivery ($1,420)* |
Driving Range (EPA-est miles) |
| Solterra Premium | $38,495 | $39,915 | 227 |
| Solterra Limited | $41,995 | $43,415 | 222 |
| Solterra Touring | $44,995 | $46,415 | 222 |
| Solterra Touring Onyx Edition | $45,495 | $46,915 | 222 |
Subaru’s new blacked-out Onyx edition follows Toyota’s, which added a stealthy new “Nightshade” trim. Toyota also lowered 2025 bZ4X prices by $6,000.
With the 2025 models arriving, Subaru is offering close-out prices on 2024 models, with leases starting as low as $279 per month. Ready to try it out for yourself? You can use our link to view Subaru Solterra models at a dealer near you today.
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