Wheels: Falling lithium prices are making electric cars more affordable

An unexpected decline in the price of an essential battery material is good news for buyers.

View in browser|nytimes.com Continue reading the main story March 23, 2023 The Wheels newsletter is delivered monthly. The next one will appear on Tuesday, April 18. Gabriela Hasbun for The New York Times Falling Lithium Prices Are Making Electric Cars More Affordable An unexpected decline in the price of an essential battery material, along with those of other commodities, is good news for buyers. But experts disagree on how long low prices will last. By Jack Ewing and Clifford Krauss Jim Wilson/The New York Times Tesla Could Start Making Cars in Mexico Next Year, Governor Says The governor of Nuevo León said a Tesla official had told him that the company's plant there would be among its biggest and go up in record time. By Jack Ewing and Clifford Krauss Continue reading the main story ADVERTISEMENT Dan Istitene/Formula 1, via Getty Images Many Changes at the Top in Formula 1 It was a busy off-season, with many promotions and executives swapping teams. By Ian Parkes Annu Kilpeläinen GUEST ESSAY A 120-Year-Old Company Is Leaving Tesla in the Dust Boring old Ford is proving to be a very modern company. By Ezra Dyer Peter Fox/Getty Images Formula 1's Rookie Class of 2023 Three new drivers, for Williams, AlphaTauri and McLaren, will be getting their starts at the Bahrain Grand Prix. By Ian Parkes NEWS Rivian Lost $6.8 Billion Last Year as Production Fell Short The maker of electric trucks said it expected to double production in 2023 as the supply of parts became more reliable. By Neal E. Boudette Volkswagen Will Invest $193 Billion in Electric Cars and Software The German automaker announced a plan to accelerate its transition to battery-powered vehicles and bolster operations in China and North America. By Melissa Eddy Tesla Offers a New 'Master Plan' but Few Big Revelations Elon Musk confirmed his car company would build a factory in Mexico and said it was working on more affordable vehicles. But he did not reveal a new model, disappointing some investors. By Jack Ewing Lucid Steps Up Production as Supply Chain Problems Ease The maker of electric luxury sedans said it made more than 7,000 cars in 2022, achieving a scaled-down target. By Jack Ewing U.S. Eyes Trade Deals With Allies to Ease Clash Over Electric Car Subsidies The Biden administration has faced backlash in Europe and Asia over its plans to bolster electric vehicle and battery production. By Alan Rappeport BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX Verstappen Runs Away With Formula 1 Opener Unchallenged after the start, Max Verstappen sent a message to his rivals with a dominant performance in Bahrain. By Andrew Das and Josh Katz Continue reading the main story ADVERTISEMENT Continue reading the main story Need help? Review our newsletter help page or contact us for assistance. You received this email because you signed up for Wheels from The New York Times. To stop receiving Wheels, unsubscribe. To opt out of other promotional emails from The Times, manage your email preferences. Subscribe to The TimesGet The New York Times app Connect with us on: Change Your EmailPrivacy PolicyContact UsCalifornia Notices The New York Times Company. 620 Eighth Avenue New York, NY 10018