Are sufficient raw materials available to establish electric mobility in our automotive fleets for the long term?

To a certain degree, electric vehicles and their components require raw materials, which are in limited supply. Among them are, cobalt, rare earths and lithium, among others. However, the amounts of these new raw materials that are needed are comparatively small and they are available in sufficient amounts in different regions of the world. Nonetheless, the development of a resource strategy at an early stage is indispensable for a sustainable industrialization and if we want to prevent a new dependence on raw materials. Sourcing the corresponding raw materials and especially recovering them with the help of efficient recycling processes have to be ensured. Reusing components like energy storage devices within the framework of a "second life" as well as research into alternative raw materials and their possible applications are important building block for the conservation of resources.