Graphite, Not Lithium, Emerges as Battery Industry's Biggest Choke Point

Graphite is a material used inside the anode of many lithium-ion batteries.

The anode is one part of a battery that helps store and release energy.

China performs much of the processing needed to turn graphite into battery-grade material.

This processing, called graphitisation, requires heating material above 2,800°C.

Because it uses so much energy, access to relatively cheap electricity can help maintain production.

If Chinese production or exports are disrupted, battery makers in other countries could be affected.

Battery demand is expected to grow quickly because of electric vehicles, energy storage, and AI data centres.

LFP batteries are becoming more common because they cost less than some nickel-based batteries.

As battery production expands, countries may need to develop more graphite-processing and anode capacity.