Reply #13: Batteries are not a 'renewable resource'

[KurtNYC]

Most of the metals for batteries come from South Africa and the Andes and sources are finite. Bolivia has half the known reserves and already has deals with China, Korea and France. Lithium batteries are very expensive currently. For example, the batteries that go into EVs are typically $9000 per vehicle.

"mass production of lithium carbonate is not environmentally sound, it will cause irreparable ecological damage to ecosystems that should be protected" -Meridian International Research, France 5/29/2008

I may be less comfortable than some in calling a source that relies heavily on the coal/nuke grid an "alternative." There are issues to be worked on -- the efficiency of appliances, efficiency of various conversion, costs, life of the panels, etc. I like solar and use some but the challenge for solar is bigger than just making cheap panels.