The raw materials bill for the average EV is now down to $537 compared to $1,342 in August 2023 and a monthly peak of more than $1,900 at the beginning of last year.
The Centenario project was attractive despite a drop in lithium prices and full ownership would let Eramet decide how to pursue a planned second production facility.
US-based Atlas last year raised $27 million for its nickel technology and said it aims to launch production at sites in Canada or the US by 2027 at commercial scale.