While the European Union banned the sale of diesel locomotives from 2035, France still practices “terminal hunting”. Educational review@oubertalli. #OnEstNotSortisDesRonces https://t.co/uT3qUEjNe6

— Geraldine Wesner (@GeWoessner) July 14, 2022

Just a few years ago, electric cars were expensive, sometimes very expensive. In any case, the price for them was always higher than for equivalent locomotives. This is due, in particular, to more expensive technologies, starting with batteries. Because it is not really possible to produce batteries due to the cost of electricity, as well as the cost of materials. These include lithium, as well as cobalt or even nickel, depending on the batteries. Yet, the cost of this raw material recently began to decrease somewhat, which had a positive effect on the prices of electric cars. But that may change soon.

The eastern district of Saint-Rambert on the street@A7Traffic from July 18 will offer 2 electric charging stations for refrigerators. It is an economical, ecological and quiet alternative to noisy and polluting diesel generators. https://t.co/YF2YFVSF5Q

— VINCI Autoroutes (@VINCIAutoroutes) July 11, 2022

Rising price

Indeed, the cost of batteries now seems to be on the rise again. This is a surge in materials prices, while the price of lithium has risen in recent months. The latter is indeed up 42% since January 2021, while cobalt doubled between January 2021 and April 2022 before falling very slightly. Under the question of a shortage of raw materials, which, therefore, logically increases prices. But that’s not all, because the cost of electricity has also increased, because compared to last year, a kWh has increased from 141 to 151 dollars. And again, this growth must be reflected in the price of new cars so that manufacturers can maintain their margins.

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new technologies

However, brands are now working on developing new technologies to limit costs. We think in particular about LFP batteries (lithium iron phosphate) is much cheaper. Then you would have to calculate about $135/kWh for this type of battery, which is therefore much more reasonable. In a few years, the growth of solid-state batteries should also help drive down EV prices in a more sustainable way. But this technology is still under development.

There is one exception to the end of sales of diesel cars in 2035, voted by the European Parliament: luxury cars (Ferrari, etc.). Of course, there are not many of them, so the emissions will be limited, but for the symbol and social justice will have to be ironed pic.twitter.com/6gPS9lc6ZE

— Audrey Garric (@audreygarric) June 9, 2022