EV manufacturers depend on a variety of resources to maximize the range, performance and charging capabilities of an all-electric powertrain. Among these is tungsten, a rare metal that, even in tiny doses, is essential to meet the expectations of today’s electric vehicle.
“In relation to EVs, you use [tungsten] in the looms. Tungsten gas is pumped into every semiconductor and you have about 2,000 semiconductors in each EV,” says Lewis Black, president and CEO of Almonty Industries, a global mining company focused on tungsten mining. “In Korea, which is now at the forefront of batteries for the latest generation of batteries, you use it on the anodes and the cathodes. You use a nano-size fraction of tungsten so you can charge the battery much quicker and it doesn’t combust, which, of course, is one of those things that obviously many EV owners are concerned about. So, it has an increasing role within EVs, as well as many other technology centers.
On this episode of The Amped EV Podcast, Black explains why EV manufacturers depend on tungsten and other resources, where manufacturers source their tungsten, and where he sees the demand curve heading for this metal.
This is an audio-only version of our episode with Lewis Black, president and CEO of Almonty Industries. Go ahead, you’re already here – take a listen! But, if you’re looking for moving pictures, click here.
