"battery grade" pricing is driven by synthetics, not some spruiker, natural graphite is only just developing in this area, and it's but one of several high grade/high value segments.
"That being said, if natural graphite wants to compete for this market, it is going to have to prove to high-end battery manufacturers that it is a consistent material and that over time it can make a very good-quality anode. Natural graphite will be lower cost than synthetic, so if they can prove its consistency, then on an equal price basis, natural graphite will have a cost advantage"
"Nonetheless, synthetic graphite is twice the cost of battery-grade natural-flake graphite, and is typically derived from petroleum coke, which relies on crude oil as its source. Tesla has a stated goal of reducing the unit cost of battery production by a minimum of 30% between now and the initial ramp-up of the Model E in 2017. Natural flake graphite stands to play a significant role in reducing the unit costs of battery production and in reducing the environmental footprint associated with production, if acid-based purification steps can be avoided."
VXL Price at posting:
65.5¢ Sentiment: Buy Disclosure: Held
