Electric car manufacturers are rushing to find supply of lithium for batteries as shortages loom

Automakers are scrambling to secure supplies of the once-obscure “white gold” in a politically and environmentally charged rivalry from China to Nevada to Chile due to the threat of potential lithium shortages for electric vehicle batteries.

In an uncommon move for a sector that depends on external suppliers for copper and other raw materials, General Motors Co. and the parent company of China’s BYD Auto Ltd. directly invested in lithium miners. Others are making investments in businesses that refine lithium or recycle the silvery-white metal from old batteries.