In Q3 2022, more than 77,000 tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) were deployed onto roads in the cells of newly-sold passenger PHEVs and BEVs globally—70% more than was deployed the same period the year prior, according to data from Adamas Intelligence, an independent research and advisory firm.
In the Asia Pacific region, LCE deployment jumped 100% year-over-year in Q3 2022 to 49,000 tonnes on the back of a 91% rise in BEV and PHEV sales over the same period. In Europe, deployment rose just 18% year-over-year in Q3 2022 to 16,600 tonnes following a mere 4% rise in BEV and PHEV sales over the same period.
In the Americas, deployment rose 70% year-over-year in Q3 2022 to 11,300 tonnes stemming from a 42% rise in BEV and PHEV sales over the same period. In Q3 2022, China captured 58% of all LCE deployed onto roads globally, the US rolled out another 13% and Germany 6%—collectively driving 77% of the global market, up from a combined 71% in Q3 2021.
In Q3 2022, 59% of LCE units deployed onto roads globally in newly-sold passenger PHEVs and BEVs were derived from lithium carbonate (versus 54% in Q3 2021) and 41% from hydroxide (versus 46% in Q3 2021) as LFP and NCM 5-series cells continue to regain market share from high-nickel NCM and NCA incumbents that use lithium hydroxide.
Tesla Model Y alone responsible for more than 10% of global EV lithium consumption. As of Q3 2022, Adamas data counts 537 unique passenger PHEV and BEV models currently available for sale globally (and 749 unique model-versions). However just one of these models—the Tesla Model Y—was responsible for over 10% of all LCE deployed onto roads globally in Q3 2022, and more than 15% in combination with the Model 3.
