1. It is not quite as simple as that — ALL Nickel , metal...

1. It is not quite as simple as that —
ALL Nickel , metal briquettes etc - can be converted to Nickel , including then into nickel sulphides . It is only the cost which is the issue .

But it is not inequitable , actually- at all , to gain nickel sulphides from nickel laterites sources .
***In fact - Nickel laterite ores will be important feedstock - for Processors - to make up the shortfall in Nickel supply . *

Cobalt as a credit within the ore , plus Scandium likely increasingly as it steadily is extracted in higher quantities globally - will be utilised also much more . (Aluminium particularly)
* you are correct in that purity is everything with nickel sulphides- required for in batteries , with current favoured lithium ion batteries for EVs .

( I posted about this - took notes even for all - a few weeks ago . Others have also picked up on this. )
@moonlight - seems to be a new holder now , he posted another good link a few weeks ago

2. EV batteries - or batteries per se — are only a tiny part of the Nickel market ~ 3% from memory (** although yes - growing exponentially year on year into the next decade at least at average of 4.5 — 5.5 % increase year on year , over current usage . This is well understood. )
Hence the importance of Nickel supply coming on to the market from now .

**~ 73% of Nickel is end- used in Asia .
By far and away - the huge majority use of nickel is for Stainless Steel, galvanising , and even nickel pig iron being better converted - such that aluminium , may soon be able to be strengthened, with greater Ni ? / ( scandium perhaps too ?) — so that aluminium will be able to even be welded , and direct soldered rather than existing difficulties in joining aluminium parts in manufacture .

The huge nickel global market - as is increasing demand for nickel , will be overwhelmingly supplied by oncoming laterite sources .
Nickel Laterites—
Are going into steel , stainless steel , and galvanising / steel strengthening whilst decreasing overall weight .

You are correct with main thing- Electric vehicles are contributing greatly to increased Nickel demand - to keep weight down and for other reasons -
EVs - are far more Nickel Rich - in their construction. ie . the steel .

EVs - utilise - far higher amounts of copper wire / Copper , as well as NICKEL.

All the best .