The rise of cobalt-free LFP batteries seemed to resolve dependence on the DRC-but a global analysis reveals that the risk remains intact for high-end EVs and that technological substitution has simply redistributed vulnerabilities.
Jun 23, 2026 at 21:44 11 4
In 2020, Tesla and BYD "solved" the cobalt problem by switching to LFP batteries. In June 2026, an OilPrice analysis shows that the EV industry remains exposed to a structural cobalt risk-concentrated precisely in the most profitable segments.
Jun 23, 2026 at 12:57 6 4
In 2020, Tesla and BYD announced the end of cobalt in their batteries. In 2026, production data tells a different story - and the DRC remains the hub of all vulnerabilities.
Jun 23, 2026 at 02:45 7 4
