this post was submitted on 10 Sep 2023
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Leave it in the ground.
So we can continue to use China/Bolivia's slave labor to get lithium instead?
You are right, there is no slave labor in the US.
Instead, let's underpay our own.
Sounds better than slave labor, no?
The USA has the largest network of slave labour camps in the world.
At least with slave labor you get lunch.
You need to read up on the 13th amendment of the US constitution, and look up how manufacturing works in the USA.
We don't need lithium batteries for electric busses. Cities have had electric lines above streets to power electric busses for decades.
Same for electric trains.
Want to replace fossil fuels?
You have two options. Nuclear, or renewables.
Renewables, however, generally don't produce consistent energy output. So, you need a way to store the surplus, and release it at night time.
The most effective way of storing this energy, is currently pumped hydro. However, it has very specific geographical restrictions, and isn't an option in most cases.
The other option, is lithium, until a better alternative is produced.
As well, you need to replace fossil fuel usage for vehicles. The only current suitable alternative with an "OK" energy density, charge rate, and output capacity, is lithium based technologies. Typically uses Li-ion, or LiFePO4.
Have a cell phone? Its powered with lithium batteries. All cell phones, are powered with lithium. Typically LiPO, or Li-ion.
One day, this will change, but, until that day, lithium is needed.
Green methane works great for storing and transmitting energy