Wesfarmers is putting a brave face on its near $1.5 billion plunge into a falling lithium sector ahead of a crucial vote by shareholders in takeover target Kidman Resources.

Kidman shareholders are expected to take the money and run when they vote on Wesfarmers’ $776 million offer on Thursday as other ASX-listed lithium stocks continue to struggle amid falling prices and slower-than-expected growth in demand from the electric vehicle industry.