From infographic to deeper knowledge - a ChatGPT use case explored

In the case of CHAT GPT, it is literally true. It can generate text into context of a of a picture input.

Cameras are everywhere - As Steve Jobs said, the best camera is the one that you have on yourself. A lot of information is embedded in graphs, and graphics that can become pictures with the press of the shutter or a quick screenshot.

CHAT-GPT recently released a feature where you can upload a picture and have the magic of generative AI applied to it. This feature is powerful - it allows you to extract embedded information from a picture (taken in the fly/or a screenshot). It allows for re-organisation of the information into a format that one can use more effectively. It allows for more analysis, and then it allows for more questions that arise from the picture to be answered.

Here is an example to illustrate:

I came across an interesting graphic on Linked In. It was from the Visual Capitalist comparing different vehicles, their costs, their battery capacity and the battery chemistry that was involved. There was interesting data embedded in the graphic, but it asked for more analytical horsepower.

I clipped the message, uploaded it to CHAT-GPT and pressed send.

This is what it came back with - (With no prompts)

Chat GPT: This infographic provides details about the costs of EV batteries for various vehicles and their specifications. Here's a summary:

1. 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ

- Battery Cost: $22,540

- Total Cost of Vehicle: $130,000* (estimated price)

- Battery Type: Nickel Cobalt Manganese Aluminum (NCMA)

- Battery Capacity: 200 kWh

2. 2023 Tesla Model S

- Battery Cost: $12,030

- Total Cost of Vehicle: $88,490

- Battery Type: Nickel Cobalt Aluminum (NCA)

- Battery Capacity: 100 kWh

3. 2025 RAM 1500 REV Limited

- Battery Cost: $25,855

- Total Cost of Vehicle: $81,000* (estimated price)

- Battery Type: Nickel Cobalt Manganese (NCM)

- Battery Capacity: 229 kWh

4. 2022 Rivian Amazon Delivery Van

- Battery Cost: $13,298

- Total Cost of Vehicle: $52,690

- Battery Type: Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP)

- Battery Capacity: 135 kWh

5. 2023 Ford Mustang Mach E Standard

- Battery Cost: $6,895

- Total Cost of Vehicle: $43,179

- Battery Type: Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP)

- Battery Capacity: 70 kWh

6. 2023 VW ID.4 Standard

- Battery Cost: $8,730

- Total Cost of Vehicle: $37,250

- Battery Type: Nickel Cobalt Manganese (NCM622)

- Battery Capacity: 62 kWh

The infographic also mentions that the actual cost of an EV battery can vary based on its composition and the metals used. Most EV batteries last up to 200,000 miles, and replacements can range from $5,000 to $20,000.

The information is sourced from various institutions such as Benchmark Mineral Intelligence, Business Insider, Counterpoint, Car and Driver, CleanTechnica, and InsideEVs.

Would you like any further information or analysis on the provided data?

A couple of queries later, I asked CHAT GPT:

PG: can you regenerate the table with the cost per KWH calculation added in as a column?

ChatGPT:

The last two columns are calculations that CHAT GPT did and added to an earlier version of the table it had generated. This table now allows for further thinking and analysis.

It led me to two questions : what are the pros and cons for each battery chemistry outlined above and is there a lifecycle difference between the two types of batteries

PG: what are the pros and cons of each type of battery discussed here, and who are the key manufacturers for each type? can you put that into a table?

ChatGPT:

Of course! Here's a table presenting the general pros and cons of each battery type, along with some key manufacturers:

It's essential to understand that while this table provides a general overview, the actual performance, pros, and cons of a specific battery can vary based on its design, manufacturing quality, and other factors. Manufacturers continually work on improving their formulations and designs to address the cons and enhance the pros.

PG: why does cobalt have bigger ethical sourcing issues compared to lithium or nickel?

ChatGPT:

Cobalt sourcing has garnered significant attention due to several ethical concerns, especially when compared to lithium or nickel. Here's why:

1. Child Labor and Hazardous Conditions: A significant portion of the world's cobalt comes from small-scale, artisanal mines in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Many of these mines are unregulated and have been reported to employ child labor under extremely hazardous conditions. Children working in these mines face serious health risks and often miss out on education.
2. Health Concerns: In many artisanal mines, miners work without essential protective equipment, leading to direct exposure to toxic metals. The lack of safety procedures means these miners are at a higher risk of accidents and long-term health issues.
3. Environmental Impact: While mining in general has environmental implications, cobalt mining in certain areas, especially when done without regulation, can lead to severe environmental degradation. This includes deforestation, soil erosion, and water contamination.
4. Geopolitical Concentration: Over 60% of the global cobalt supply comes from the DRC. Such a high concentration can lead to supply chain vulnerabilities, especially when coupled with political instability or conflict in the region.
5. Economic Exploitation: The artisanal miners in regions like the DRC are often underpaid, working in a system that doesn't offer them a fair share of the profits from their labor. This economic exploitation is further exacerbated by the global demand for cobalt in batteries and other applications.

In comparison:

• Lithium: While lithium mining does have its environmental concerns, particularly regarding water usage in regions like South America's "Lithium Triangle," it hasn't been as closely associated with the same degree of human rights abuses as cobalt. There are also multiple sources of lithium worldwide, decreasing dependence on a single region.
• Nickel: Nickel mining, especially in regions like Canada, Russia, and Australia, is more industrialized and regulated than many of the cobalt mines in the DRC. However, there are still environmental concerns with nickel mining, especially in areas where it's done without adequate safeguards.

While all mining activities come with environmental and social challenges, the ethical issues associated with cobalt, especially from certain regions, have been more acute and widely reported, leading to greater scrutiny from industries and consumers alike.

PG: what are the typical lives of each of these battery types?

ChatGPT:

The typical lifespan of a battery depends on various factors, including its chemistry, design, manufacturing quality, usage conditions, and thermal management. However, here's a general overview of the typical lifespans for the battery types mentioned:

1. Nickel Cobalt Manganese Aluminum (NCMA):Lifespan: Relatively new to the market, so long-term data might be limited. However, it is expected to offer a lifespan comparable to or better than other Nickel-based chemistries, potentially offering hundreds of thousands of kilometers or several years of service in automotive applications.
2. Nickel Cobalt Aluminum (NCA):Lifespan: Used predominantly by Tesla, these batteries can last for over 500,000 miles (800,000 km) in some conditions. In consumer electronics like laptops, the lifespan might be in the range of 2-5 years with regular use.
3. Nickel Cobalt Manganese (NCM):Lifespan: It largely depends on the specific composition (e.g., 6:2:2, 8:1:1). Typically, NCM batteries in EVs are designed to last for at least 150,000 to 200,000 miles (240,000 to 320,000 km) or 8-15 years. Again, in consumer electronics, the lifespan might be 2-5 years with regular use.
4. Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP):Lifespan: Known for its long cycle life, LFP batteries can endure more charge/discharge cycles than other chemistries, sometimes exceeding 2,000 to 3,000 cycles in ideal conditions. This translates to over 10 years in some stationary applications and several years or over 200,000 miles (320,000 km) in automotive applications.

It's essential to note that real-world battery lifespan can vary significantly based on several factors, including:

• Depth of Discharge (DoD): Regularly discharging the battery to very low levels can reduce its lifespan.
• Temperature: Batteries generally prefer moderate temperatures. Extreme heat or cold can reduce their lifespan.
• State of Charge (SoC): Keeping a battery at 100% SoC or very low SoC for prolonged periods can be detrimental.
• Charge/Discharge Rates: Rapid charging or discharging can produce more heat and stress on the battery, potentially reducing its lifespan.

Because of these variables, manufacturers often provide warranty periods for their batteries, guaranteeing a certain capacity retention over time or miles driven.

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CHAT GPT's progress over the last 9 months has been mind-boggling. Its plugins are powerful, as is the new feature that allows for a picture input. There is more to come, and it expands our productivity and horizons immensely!