UPSC Prelims 2025·GS1·science-and-technology·materials and robotics

In the context of electric vehicle batteries, consider the following elements : I. Cobalt II. Graphite III. Lithium IV. Nickel How many of the above usually make up battery cathodes?

Dalvoy logo
Reviewed by Dalvoy
UPSC Civil Services preparation
Last updated 23 May 2026, 3:31 pm IST
  1. AOnly one
  2. BOnly two
  3. COnly threeCorrect
  4. DAll the four

Explanation

In electric vehicle batteries, typically three elements make up battery cathodes: I. Cobalt: Yes, cobalt is a key component in many lithium-ion battery cathodes, particularly in NCM (Nickel-Cobalt-Manganese) and NCA (Nickel-Cobalt-Aluminum) chemistries. II. Graphite: No, graphite is primarily used in the anode (negative electrode) of lithium-ion batteries, not the cathode. III. Lithium: Yes, lithium compounds like lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) or lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) form the base of most EV battery cathodes. IV. Nickel: Yes, nickel is increasingly used in high-energy density cathodes, especially in NCM and NCA chemistries for better performance and reduced cobalt dependency.
science-and-technology: In the context of electric vehicle batteries, consider the following elements : I. Cobalt II. Graphite III. Lithium IV.

Related questions

More UPSC Prelims practice from the same subject and topic.