The group of metals essential for manufacturing rechargeable batteries used in electric vehicles and energy storage systems. Key battery metals include lithium, nickel, cobalt, manganese, and graphite. Demand for these materials is closely tied to EV adoption rates and grid-scale storage deployment.

The network of companies involved in producing electric vehicles, from upstream mining of raw materials (lithium, nickel, cobalt) through midstream processing and cathode/anode manufacturing, to downstream battery cell production and final vehicle assembly. ETFs in this space may target different segments of this supply chain.

A type of fund structure that invests primarily in futures contracts and other derivatives rather than equities. Commodity pool ETFs issue K-1 tax forms to investors instead of standard 1099s, which can complicate tax filing. ZSB is the only commodity pool fund on this list.

An exchange-traded fund that focuses on a specific investment theme or trend rather than a broad market index. EV ETFs are thematic funds that target the electric vehicle and battery technology megatrend, often investing across multiple sectors (mining, technology, industrials, consumer discretionary) united by their connection to the EV transition.

The annual fee charged by an ETF to cover management, administration, and operational costs, expressed as a percentage of assets under management. A lower expense ratio means less drag on returns over time.

The total market value of all investments managed by an ETF. Higher AUM generally indicates greater liquidity, tighter bid-ask spreads, and lower trading costs for investors. AUM fluctuates with market prices and fund inflows or outflows.

EV ETFs are exchange-traded funds that invest in companies involved in the electric vehicle and battery technology supply chain. These funds can hold shares in EV manufacturers, battery producers, lithium and nickel miners, charging infrastructure companies, and other businesses that support the transition to electric transportation.

The Global X Lithium & Battery Tech ETF (LIT) is the largest EV-related ETF, with approximately $1.2 billion in assets under management. LIT tracks the Solactive Global Lithium Index and invests across the full lithium and battery technology supply chain.

Equity-based EV ETFs invest directly in stocks of companies involved in the EV supply chain — miners, battery manufacturers, and vehicle producers. Mixed ETFs like ZSB combine equity holdings with metals futures contracts and derivatives to gain exposure to battery metals prices alongside company performance. Mixed funds may issue K-1 tax forms instead of standard 1099s.

Some EV ETFs focus specifically on lithium mining (like LITP), while others take a broader approach covering the entire EV ecosystem including battery manufacturers, vehicle producers, nickel miners, and charging infrastructure (like KARS). Lithium-focused ETFs offer concentrated upstream exposure, while broader EV ETFs provide diversified access across the entire value chain.

Expense ratios for US-listed EV ETFs range from 0.47% to 0.75% annually. iShares IDRV offers the lowest fee at 0.47%, while Global X LIT and Sprott NIKL are at the higher end (0.75%). These fees are deducted from fund assets and reduce returns over time.