For years, lithium has been the backbone of the electric vehicle (EV) revolution, prized for its high energy density and lightweight properties. Yet its long-term supply constraints and environmental costs have pushed researchers and automakers to explore alternatives. Among them, magnesium stands out as a promising candidate—but significant hurdles remain before it can power your next car.
Why magnesium could replace lithium
Magnesium is not only cheaper and more abundant than lithium—it also packs more energy per volume. Its ions carry a double positive charge, which could enable more compact, energy-dense batteries. Crucially, magnesium does not form dendrites, the sharp needle-like structures that can cause lithium batteries to short-circuit or catch fire. This inherent safety advantage makes it an attractive option for automakers prioritizing reliability.
Moreover, magnesium is found in seawater and in vast mineral deposits worldwide, reducing dependence on concentrated supply chains. China currently dominates production, accounting for 87–95% of global output, primarily from dolomite reserves in Liaoning province. Israel, Russia, and Brazil are also significant producers, extracting magnesium from the Dead Sea and other sources.
Technical obstacles remain
Despite these advantages, magnesium batteries face a critical flaw: slow ion movement. Magnesium ions move sluggishly through battery materials, leading to slow charging times and weak power delivery during acceleration. Cold weather exacerbates the problem, making magnesium batteries less practical for everyday EV use compared to lithium-ion systems.
Another major challenge is finding an electrolyte that allows magnesium ions to move efficiently without corroding the battery's internal components. Current electrolytes that work well with magnesium tend to degrade the anode and cathode over time. Researchers are also struggling to identify cathode materials that can withstand the repeated insertion and removal of magnesium ions without structural breakdown.
Automakers hedge with manganese
While pure magnesium batteries remain in the testing phase, some manufacturers are turning to manganese as a partial substitute. Manganese is cheaper and more abundant than lithium, but its energy density is lower and it struggles with repeated recharging. As a result, manganese is being used to enhance lithium batteries rather than replace them entirely.
For instance, MG (SAIC Motor) has introduced a semi-solid-state battery using lithium manganese oxide (LMO) in its MG4 EV Urban, slated for European markets by 2026. General Motors and LG Energy Solution are targeting a 2028 launch for lithium manganese-rich (LMR) cells, which aim to cut costs and boost energy density for future electric trucks and SUVs. Toyota has also funded long-term research into magnesium-based chemistries, though commercial deployment remains uncertain.
Beyond batteries, magnesium is already finding use in vehicle manufacturing. Great Wall Motor employs semi-solid magnesium casting to reduce component weight, and Tesla has integrated magnesium alloys into the Model 3 and Model Y. These applications highlight magnesium's versatility, even if its role in energy storage is not yet ready for prime time.
Supply chain and policy implications
The push for alternative battery materials comes amid growing concerns over lithium's supply chain. Opening a new lithium mine takes an average of 16 to 18 years, bogged down by permitting and financing hurdles. Hard rock mining generates significant waste, while brine extraction consumes vast water resources in arid regions, drawing criticism from environmental groups. Recent lithium price crashes have also dampened investment in new projects, threatening future supply.
Europe, which relies heavily on imported lithium, is watching these developments closely. The EU has been working to secure critical raw materials through initiatives like the Critical Raw Materials Act, but diversifying battery chemistry could reduce dependence on any single metal. As European automakers like Stellantis and Volkswagen push for more sustainable and cost-effective EVs, magnesium and manganese could play a pivotal role.
However, experts caution that magnesium batteries are still years away from mass adoption. "The fundamental science needs to advance significantly," says Dr. Elena Petrova, a battery researcher at the Technical University of Munich. "We need better electrolytes and cathode materials before magnesium can compete with lithium on performance."
In the meantime, hybrid approaches—combining lithium with manganese or magnesium—may offer a pragmatic bridge. These technologies could reduce costs and improve safety without sacrificing the performance that drivers expect. As the industry evolves, the race to find the next battery breakthrough is far from over.
