| | 2 minute read

Top 5 makes by lithium consumption in Europe, Americas

LFP Penetration hits double digits outside Asia

A combined total of 169,328 tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) were deployed onto roads globally from January through May this year in the batteries of all newly sold passenger EVs, including plug-in and conventional hybrids, combined, a 24% increase over 2023.  

Europe and the Americas made up 39% of the global total with LCE deployment over the first five months of 2024 rising by a combined 11% year on year to 65,599 tonnes across the three continents. That compares to much healthier growth of 33% in the Asia Pacific region.  

Tesla took the top spot with 14,911 tonnes of LCE deployed across its S,3,X,Y models and the Cybertruck, a decline of 15% over January–May 2023.   

BMW came in second in the Americas and Europe, deploying 4,330 tonnes of LCE so far in 2024, up 36% year on year followed by its German luxury peer, Mercedes which at 3,966 tonnes showed more modest growth of 14% from January through May. 

Top 5 makes by lithium consumption in europe americas v2

Ford was the fastest growing brand among the top 5, deploying 3,681 tonnes, a jump of 63% compared to the same period last year.  

In the Americas, the batteries of Ford EVs sold over the period contained 92% more lithium than last year. Growth for Dearborn in Europe was flat however and on the continent the Ford marque is only placed at no 15 in terms of lithium deployed.   

Rounding out the top 5 was Volkswagen which put 3,614 tonnes of LCE onto roads across Europe and the Americas year to date, representing a decline of 19% compared to 2022.   

Lithium deployment is remarkably concentrated with the top 5 deploying a combined 30,502 tonnes LCE, representing 47% of overall lithium consumption across the two regions from January through May. 

Adamas take: 

The amount of lithium contained in the average EV battery pack was flat year-on-year in Europe but declined by 7% in the Americas as hybrid EVs increase in popularity in the latter.    

Back to Adamas Inside
Join Adamas Inside
4