We have read numerous stories and analyst reports about how there is a growing copper shortage that will result in soaring prices. I don’t buy it. Much of it is predicated on the belief that electric vehicles and the upgrading of electricity grids will drive the shortage. While the case for building out the electricity grid has merit it will probably be over a long period of time. The case for going to mostly electric vehicles by the prescribed timeframe in many jurisdictions is unlikely. The coming global economic slowdown is going to push demand out for a number of years. Technological developments in alternative fuel vehicles will also likely slow down the timeframe and demand for copper. As the cost of vehicles continue to rise, the economy slows, the demand for all vehicles will slow for a few years at least. If the costs become prohibitive a move to greater ridesharing and transportation as a service could lead to less vehicle ownership over time. Cars aren’t going away and copper will still be needed, just not in the quantities and timeframes outlined in the most bullish scenarios.