Lithium, cobalt costs hinder battery-powered car sales, HSBC says

"High lithium and cobalt prices #8212; but also limited supply and lower demand for pure EVs #8212; now favor more plug-in hybrids in the short to medium term vs. our previous expectation," analysts said.

source http://www.autonews.com/article/20181204/OEM05/181209891/lithium-cobalt-cost-electric-vehicles-hsbc