Thanks for the link. 'Synthetic graphite is very expensive to...

Thanks for the link.

'Synthetic graphite is very expensive to produce, deriving from petroleum coke and costing up to 10 times as much as the best natural graphite'

http://investorintel.com/graphite-g...r-but-the-future-belongs-to-natural-graphite/

Also:

'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.'

http://www.techmetalsresearch.com/2014/03/going-natural-the-solution-to-teslas-graphite-problem/

I will be interested to read your 'hot off the press' info re Tesla using synthetic graphite.

Maybe supply of the cheaper high grade natural flake graphite will be an issue until the likes of MNS get cranked up & into production but after that IMO, synthetic graphite will fall by the way side due to cost of production & environmental foot print.