AP Exxon Mobil is in talks with car manufacturers to become a lithium supplier, sources told Bloomberg. That includes Tesla, Volkswagen, and Ford. Battery manufacturers such as Samsung are also involved. The oil giant is putting effort into joining the EV race, already drilling for lithium in Arkansas. Exxon Mobil is in early-stage talks to provide lithium to car manufacturers that include Tesla, Ford, and Volkswagen, sources told Bloomberg on Monday.