China is winning 'desperate' global race to control lithium for electric vehicles
China is the leading market player for electric and hybrid cars, accounting for half of global sales
"Given the government's power in China to direct the economy, if they want to become the world leaders in electric vehicles, they can likely achieve it," says one expert
The global push to roll out electric cars has been amplified by concerns over air pollution
China wants 'to control electric vehicle supply chain'
Governments and car manufacturers worldwide have taken steps to electrify fleets and further phase out the combustion engine. The lithium-ion batteries are able to produce more electricity per unit than conventional batteries.