Electric vehicle battery makers SK Innovation and LG Chem are in a protracted set of patent infringement lawsuits that could disrupt U.S. production of lithium ion batteries for cars. Manufacturers also face challenges from sourcing materials. The U.S. is highly reliant on Argentina and Chile for lithium supplies, which represented 49.5% and 32.5% of shipments respectively from suppliers including Livent and SQM in the 12 months to Sept. 30. While there was a 12.1% rise in seaborne imports in 3Q, that may have reversed in October after lithium exports from Chile fell 17.1% year over year...