**Breaking News: Elon Musk’s Secret Lithium Extraction Patent Could Revolutionize EV Industry**

In a groundbreaking move that could reshape the electric vehicle landscape, Elon Musk’s Tesla is quietly pursuing a revolutionary lithium extraction method that may propel the company to a staggering $2 trillion valuation. This ambitious venture comes on the heels of a patent application filed in 2021, revealing a novel process that promises to slash lithium costs by a remarkable 33%.

At Tesla’s Battery Day in September 2020, Musk hinted at this game-changing technology, which utilizes common table salt to extract lithium from clay materials—an unprecedented approach that could significantly reduce the environmental impact of lithium mining. Current extraction methods, predominantly acid leaching, wreak havoc on ecosystems, making this new process not only economically viable but also crucial for sustainable battery production.

With the demand for lithium soaring—expected to quintuple by 2050 to meet global climate targets—Tesla’s innovative extraction technique could be a lifeline for the EV industry. The European Automobile Manufacturers Association reports a staggering 53.3% increase in EV registrations across Europe, intensifying the urgency for efficient lithium sourcing.

Tesla has already acquired 10,000 acres in Nevada, eyeing the vast lithium reserves within. Although the company has yet to commence mining operations, it is actively seeking partnerships with local mining firms to expedite its plans. The stakes are high; if successful, Musk’s lithium extraction could not only lower battery costs but also fulfill Tesla’s promise of a $25,000 electric vehicle.

As the world shifts towards a fully electric future, Tesla’s strategic pivot into lithium mining underscores the critical need for innovation in resource extraction. With competitors racing to secure their supply chains, all eyes are on Musk and Tesla as they navigate this pivotal moment in the EV revolution. Stay tuned as this story develops—Elon Musk may just be on the brink of unleashing a trillion-dollar weapon that could change the face of transportation forever.