Well, I asked the AI Bard. Of course it is not entirely satisfactory, but at least it is independent.
It shows that the lag time can easily spread to more than a year. Yes the chinese are very efficient, but they can easily be playing games to get the best result for them.
Does anybody have better info?
here is Bart bard said:
The timeframe for transforming spodumene concentrate into lithium batteries installed in electric vehicles (EVs) can vary depending on several factors, but it typically falls between 12 and 36 months. Here's a breakdown of the key stages and their estimated durations:
1. Spodumene Processing (3-6 months):
- Shipping: Transporting spodumene concentrate from the mine to the processing facility can take 1-2 months depending on location and logistics.
- Chemical processing: Extracting lithium from spodumene involves multiple steps like roasting, leaching, purification, and conversion to lithium carbonate or hydroxide. This can take 2-4 months.
2. Cathode and Anode Production (3-6 months):
- Lithium compound processing: Converting lithium carbonate/hydroxide into battery-grade chemicals for cathode and anode production takes 1-2 months.
- Cathode and anode manufacturing: Fabricating these battery components using the processed lithium and other materials takes another 2-4 months.
3. Cell Assembly and Battery Pack Production (3-6 months):
- Cell assembly: Combining cathodes, anodes, separators, and electrolyte into individual battery cells takes 1-2 months.
- Battery pack assembly: Integrating multiple cells, Battery Management System (BMS), and other components into the final battery pack takes another 1-2 months.
4. Battery Installation in EVs (1-3 months):
- Battery pack delivery: Shipping the finished battery pack to the EV manufacturer can take 1-2 months.
- Vehicle assembly: Integrating the battery pack into the electric vehicle during final assembly takes 1-2 months.
Additional factors affecting the timeline:
- Location and supply chain efficiency: Streamlined logistics and proximity between processing facilities and manufacturers can shorten the timeline.
- Technology advancements: Newer, faster processing techniques can potentially reduce processing times.
- Market demand and production capacity: High demand and limited production capacity can lead to longer wait times.
It's important to remember that these are estimates, and the actual timeframe can vary depending on the specific circumstances. However, it should give you a general idea of the complex journey lithium takes before powering your electric vehicle.
(20min delay)