Possible restrictions on the export of gallium have put automakers in a dilemma, suggesting whether it is possible to rely on the metal, which until now was considered an innovation in the production of electric cars, the news agency writes. Reuters.
Gallium is now widely used in industry, from LED lighting to small cell phone adapters. In its pure form, gallium melts in the palm of your hand, but as part of an alloy it is favored in semiconductors.
Automakers are hungry for anything that could make electric cars more efficient and reduce their weight,
reducing costs accordingly. Gallium nitride fits both needs and is much cheaper than other semiconductor materials such as platinum or palladium. Gallium can be found in zinc deposits and bauxite, and the metallic form of gallium is obtained by processing bauxite into aluminum. According to the European Raw Materials Alliance (CRMA), 80% of gallium is mined in China.
Gallium nitride can store large amounts of energy in an electric car without generating heat, which makes it an ideal material for batteries, as well as a potential converter that can control the flow of electricity to and from the battery.
However, mineral experts have indicated that China’s decision in early July to limit exports of gallium and germanium, which will take effect from August, could make carmakers rethink their decision.
The automotive industry is just now starting to recover from the semiconductor shortage caused by the pandemic,
which forced manufacturers to stop production of certain models and sometimes leave incomplete cars that lacked only one chip.
Alastair Neill, director of the Institute of Important Minerals, said carmakers still developing next-generation engines could opt for silicon carbide, despite gallium nitride being 30% more efficient. This could avoid problems caused by supply chain problems.
Neil added: “If you’re already relying on gallium nitride and you’re putting it into your product, you’re already in trouble.”
Automakers have reacted cautiously to China’s announcement, stating that they are closely monitoring the situation.
Read also: The truth about electric cars
2023-07-11 10:27:54
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