Magnesium advances as an alternative to lithium for electric vehicle batteries
Magnesium is gaining ground among the alternatives being studied for electric vehicle batteries, amid supply difficulties, environmental impact concerns and the geographic concentration of the lithium industry. Its availability in seawater and underground deposits, along with a potentially lower cost, make it an attractive material.
Its ions carry a positive charge of +2, compared with +1 for lithium. That difference could favor greater storage capacity in a smaller volume and allow for more compact batteries. In addition, magnesium cells do not generate the dendrites associated with lithium, structures that can cause short circuits and increase the risk of fires.
Mineral supply does not appear, for now, to be an immediate limitation either. China accounts for between 87% and 95% of global primary magnesium production expected for 2025, with an estimated volume of between 830,000 and 950,000 metric tons. Israel, Russia and Brazil are also among the top producers. However, China also holds a significant share of the refining capacity needed to obtain battery-grade material.
The development of this technology remains in an experimental phase. The movement of magnesium ions is slower than that of lithium ions, a condition that can extend charging times, reduce power during acceleration and affect performance in low temperatures. It is also complex to design stable electrolytes and cathodes capable of withstanding repeated cycles without losing performance.
Research involves institutions such as the University of Waterloo and automakers. Toyota is funding work on high-capacity magnesium-based batteries, while General Motors and LG Energy Solution plan to launch high-manganese-content lithium cells in 2028. Great Wall Motor applies semi-solid magnesium casting in components, and Tesla uses some alloys of the material in the Model 3 and Model Y.
For now, magnesium stands as a technology still in development, not an immediate substitute for lithium. Its advantages in availability, safety and potential density will need to overcome obstacles related to charging speed, power, electrolytes and the stability of internal materials.
Based on information from Energía Online.