Security of supply of cobalt

26.2.2019

Question for written answer E-001005-19
to the Commission
Rule 130
Jörg Meuthen (EFDD)

The Commission is urging and encouraging the transformation of the EU into a society which is fully electrified and decarbonised. The future of motorised private transport in Europe will depend on the availability of the raw materials needed for the production of batteries. This raises questions about whether sufficient cobalt and lithium — substances which are currently indispensable — will be available for the batteries of the projected number of vehicles.

1. How many tonnes of cobalt will be needed for the batteries (currently marketed, average models) of EU-registered cars if 5% are battery-powered and produce no emissions, and what percentage of current world production of cobalt does this represent?

2. How many tonnes of lithium will be needed for the batteries (currently marketed, average models) of EU-registered cars if 5% are battery-powered and produce no emissions, and what percentage of current world production of lithium does this represent?