Possible restrictions on gallium production have put automakers in a dilemma, suggesting whether it is possible to rely on the metal, which until now was considered an innovation in the production of electric vehicles, writes Reuters.
Gallium is now widely used in industry. In its pure form, gallium melts in the palm of your hand, but as part of a compound, it is favored in semiconductors.
Automakers are hungry for anything that can make electric cars more efficient and reduce their weight,
thereby reducing costs. Gallium nitride fits both needs and is much cheaper than other semiconductor materials such as platinum or palladium. Gallium can be found in zinc deposits and bauxite, and the metallic form of gallium is obtained by processing bauxite into aluminum. According to the European industry association Critical Raw Materials Alliance (CRMA), 80% of gallium is mined in China.
Gallium nitride can store large amounts of energy in an electric car without generating heat, which makes it an ideal material for batteries, as well as a potential converter that can control the flow of electricity to and from the battery.
However, mineral experts have indicated that China’s decision in early July to limit exports of gallium and germanium, which will take effect in August, could make carmakers rethink their decision.
The industry is just now recovering from a pandemic-induced shortage of semiconductors
that forced manufacturers to halt production of certain models and sometimes leave unfinished cars missing just one chip.
Alastair Neill, director of the Critical Minerals Institute, said carmakers still developing next-generation engines could opt for silicon carbide, despite gallium nitride being 30% more efficient. This could avoid problems caused by supply chain problems.
Neill added: “If you are already banking on gallium nitride and designing it into your platform, then you’re in trouble.”
Automakers have reacted cautiously to China’s announcement, stating that they are closely monitoring the situation.