This metal could change electric cars: it's cheaper than lithium, it's everywhere, and it's potentially safer

A new material, magnesium, could revolutionize electric vehicles by offering a cheaper, more abundant, and potentially safer alternative to lithium. Magnesium is found almost everywhere, including seawater, and its chemical properties suggest it could store large amounts of energy in a compact space. This has made it a growing focus for researchers seeking alternatives to lithium-based batteries, which currently dominate the market. The appeal of magnesium lies primarily in its availability. Unlike lithium, whose production is concentrated in specific regions, magnesium is one of the most widely distributed elements on Earth. It exists both in soil and in ocean water, making it a promising resource for long-term sustainability. According to reports, this widespread presence could help manufacturers reduce supply chain risks associated with lithium’s geographic concentration. Additionally, magnesium's unique chemical structure offers potential advantages over lithium in terms of energy density. Each magnesium ion carries a double positive charge, compared to lithium’s single positive charge. This characteristic could allow magnesium batteries to store more energy per unit volume, potentially enabling smaller, more efficient battery systems. Safety is another key factor. One major issue with lithium-ion batteries involves the formation of dendrites, needle-like structures that can pierce the separator within the battery, leading to short circuits and fire hazards. Magnesium is considered less prone to such problems, which makes it an attractive candidate for safer battery technology. Combined with lower raw material costs and greater availability, these factors raise questions about why magnesium hasn’t yet replaced lithium in mainstream electric vehicle applications. Despite these benefits, magnesium presents significant technical challenges. The movement of magnesium ions through battery materials is slower than that of lithium ions, which complicates efforts to achieve fast charging times and high power output. This limitation could result in slower charging speeds and reduced performance under demanding conditions. Moreover, magnesium’s compatibility with electrolytes remains a critical hurdle. Researchers are searching for materials that facilitate efficient ion transport while preventing unwanted interactions that could lead to corrosion or degradation. Another challenge lies in the cathode material. The cathode must endure repeated cycles of magnesium ion insertion and extraction without losing structural integrity. This requirement has kept magnesium battery technology largely in the research phase. Recent studies, however, have shown progress. A paper published in Nature Communications highlights advancements in addressing reaction kinetics related to magnesium polysulfides, a key component in some magnesium-based battery designs. While this represents a meaningful step forward, it does not yet confirm commercial viability on a large scale. Major automotive companies, including Toyota, have been exploring magnesium-based battery technologies for years. Toyota has invested heavily in long-term research into high-capacity magnesium batteries, though no commercial application in vehicles is imminent. Meanwhile, other manufacturers are pursuing different strategies to reduce reliance on lithium. For example, General Motors and LG Energy Solution are developing manganese-rich lithium-ion cells designed to enter mass production by 2028. These cells aim to cut costs while maintaining the reliability and performance of existing lithium technologies. It is crucial to distinguish between magnesium and manganese. Although both materials are increasingly discussed in the context of next-generation batteries, they represent distinct technological approaches. Manganese is used to enhance the stability and cost-effectiveness of lithium-ion batteries, whereas magnesium offers a fundamentally different chemistry with its own set of challenges and opportunities. At present, magnesium is unlikely to replace lithium in the near future. Lithium-ion batteries benefit from decades of development, established manufacturing infrastructure, and well-understood performance characteristics. Until magnesium technology can overcome its current limitations and demonstrate consistent commercial readiness, lithium will remain the dominant choice for electric vehicles. However, ongoing research suggests that magnesium could eventually play a significant role in shaping the future of sustainable transportation.