Exxon Mobil in Talks with Tesla, Ford to Supply Lithium

The talks are in early stages and also include the likes of Samsung  and SK On Co, the report added.

Exxon had agreed last month to develop more than 6,100 lithium-rich acres in Arkansas with Tetra Technologies Inc (TTI.N), the second move this year by the oil giant for control of assets needed to produce the electric-vehicle battery metal.

Its rapid expansion into the lithium sector comes amid growing interest from traditional energy companies and others into emerging technologies that aim to boost global supply of the ultralight metal.