In the context of electric vehicle batteries, consider the following elements:

Q. In the context of electric vehicle batteries, consider the following elements:

UPSC Civil Services Examination (Prelims) 2025 – General Studies Paper I

I. Cobalt

II. Graphite

III. Lithium

IV. Nickel

How many of the above usually make up battery cathodes?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) Only three

(d) All the four

Answer: (c) Only three

In lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles, the cathode is typically made using lithium combined with transition metals.

Cobalt is commonly used in cathodes such as Lithium Cobalt Oxide (LCO) and NMC batteries.
Lithium is a core component of all lithium-ion battery cathodes.
Nickel is widely used in high-energy-density cathodes like NMC and NCA batteries.
Graphite is not used in the cathode; it is mainly used as the anode material.

Thus, Cobalt, Lithium, and Nickel usually make up battery cathodes, while Graphite does not.

Therefore, the correct answer is (c) Only three.

Answer: (c) Only three