The US Department of the Treasury and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) released proposed guidance on the clean vehicle provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). Since the IRA was enacted, nearly $100 billion in private-sector investment has been announced across the US clean vehicle and battery supply chain. The Inflation... Read more →

Among the top 10 Li-ion battery cell suppliers globally, CATL is dominating in Q3 2023 with a sales-weighted average pack size (in kWh) nearly 50% larger than the group average and total deployment onto roads (in GWh) more than triple the group average, according to Adamas Intelligence. LG Energy Solution... Read more →

Following unprecedented price increases in 2022, battery prices are falling again this year. The price of lithium-ion battery packs has dropped 14% to a record low of $139/kWh, according to analysis by research provider BloombergNEF (BNEF). This was driven by raw material and component prices falling as production capacity increased... Read more →

Toshiba Corporation has developed a new lithium-ion battery using a cobalt-free 5V-class high-potential cathode material that significantly suppresses performance-degrading gases produced as side reactions. This battery can operate at a wide range of applications, from power tools to electric vehicles. Cobalt and nickel are widely used to stabilize the cathodes... Read more →

The US Department of Energy (DOE) announced results of the most comprehensive analysis to date quantifying the domestic lithium resources in California’s Salton Sea region. Conducted by DOE’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (earlier post), the analysis found that with expected technology advances, the Salton Sea region’s total resources could produce... Read more →

Euro Manganese signed definitive agreements with OMRF (BK) LLC, which is managed by the Orion Resource Partners Group, for US$100 million in non-dilutive financing to advance the development of the Chvaletice Manganese Project in the Czech Republic. (Earlier post.) The US$100 million funding is split into two US$50-million components: A... Read more →

Altilium, a UK-based clean technology group, has secured more than £700,000 (US$889,000) in UK government innovation funding for two collaborative research projects focused on the recovery of copper and Rare Earth Elements (REE) from mine waste. Building on its work to recover lithium and other critical battery materials from end-of-life... Read more →

Li-Metal Corp., a developer of lithium metal anode and lithium metal production technologies for next-generation batteries (earlier post), has successfully demonstrated its electrolyte reconditioning process. This process is a pivotal component supporting Li-Metal’s patented and modular carbonate-to-metal (C2M) technology, an environmentally conscious approach to lithium metal production. The electrolyte reconditioning... Read more →

Volkswagen (Anhui) Components Co., Ltd. (VWAC), Volkswagen Group’s first 100%-owned battery system plant in China, began production of its first high-voltage battery system. VWAC is the first battery system plant wholly invested by Volkswagen Automatic Transmission (Tianjin) Co., Ltd. With an initial annual capacity of 150,000 to 180,000 high-voltage battery... Read more →

Standard Lithium Ltd., a near-commercial lithium development company, recently shared performance results from its Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) process at its Demonstration Plant (Plant) near El Dorado, Arkansas. Initially commissioned in May 2020, the plant has operated on a 24/7 basis since then (aside from turnaround due to equipment upgrades... Read more →

In September 2023, a total of 64.2 GWh of battery capacity was deployed onto roads globally in all newly sold passenger xEVs (BEVs, PHEVs and HEVs) combined—a mere 2% increase over the previous month but a modest 24% increase over September 2022, according to Adamas Intelligence. CATL led the pack... Read more →

The rate of global battery capacity deployment growth (up 45% YoY) continues to run well ahead of global EV unit sales growth (up 33% YoY), which to-date amounts to just under 13.5 million BEVs, PHEVs and HEVs sold worldwide, according to Adamas Intelligence. In Q3 2023, 182.6 GWh of battery... Read more →

Researchers at the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) have used machine learning to design a carbonaceous supercapacitor material that stores four times more energy than the best commercial material. A supercapacitor made with the new material could store more energy—improving regenerative brakes, power electronics and auxiliary power... Read more →

Gelion, a spin-out from the University of Sydney, has signed a Joint Development Agreement (JDA) with Ionblox, a developer of silicon-oxide based fast charging batteries (earlier post), to deliver safe, high-energy density, lower cost lithium silicon sulfur (LiSiS) cells for the global electric vehicle (EV), electrical vertical-takeoff-and-landing (eVTOL) and drone... Read more →

Northvolt has developed a sodium-ion battery; the cell has been validated for a best-in-class energy density of over 160 Wh/kg at the company’s R&D and industrialization campus, Northvolt Labs, in Västerås, Sweden. Northvolt’s validated cell is more safe, cost-effective, and sustainable than conventional nickel, manganese and cobalt (NMC) or iron... Read more →

Stellantis N.V. and CATL signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the local supply of LFP battery cells and modules to power Stellantis’ electric vehicle production in Europe. To further support Stellantis’ electrification strategy, the two companies are considering the possibility to form a joint venture with equivalent contributions.... Read more →

AMADA WELD TECH is highlighting its Jupiter Laser Welding System, a semi-automatic production system for welding battery modules for use in electric vehicles, power tools, energy storage and military battery module applications. The Jupiter is suited for battery modules measuring up to 300 x 300 x 300 millimetres, with typical... Read more →

Komatsu, through its wholly owned subsidiary in the US, Komatsu America Corp., has agreed to acquire American Battery Solutions, Inc. (ABS), a battery systems manufacturer headquartered in Detroit, Michigan. Komatsu is planning to close the acquisition on 1 December 2023, on the condition that all necessary procedures for the closing... Read more →

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced up to $3.5 billion from the Infrastructure Law to boost domestic production of advanced batteries and battery materials nationwide. (DE-FOA-0003099) The high-capacity battery supply chain consists of five main steps including: (1) raw material production; (2) materials processing including material refinement and processing;... Read more →

DESTEN has introduced the Ultra-Fast Charging, 6C LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) cell. The latest pouch form-factor cell from DESTEN is capable of charging from 20% to 80% SOC in 6 minutes. Owing to its LFP-based chemistry, this cell features an impressive chemical and temperature stability profile, making for the safest... Read more →

Australia-based Galan Lithium Limited, a developer of high-grade lithium brine projects in Argentina, signed a binding term sheet with a wholly owned subsidiary of Glencore for offtake for up to 100% of its premium lithium chloride concentrate from the Hombre Muerto West (HMW) lithium project and the offer to provide... Read more →

Munich-based climate tech startup tozero and Huayou Recycling are partnering for the recycling of battery waste in Europe. The partnership is intended to have a significant impact on the region’s battery industry, addressing the challenges posed by the growing electrification of the European eMobility landscape and the accompanying surge in... Read more →

Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) and Redwood Materials announced an expanded recycling agreement that aims to create pathways for automotive batteries used in Toyota’s electrified vehicles that have reached the end of their life. The plan also includes an agreement for Toyota to source Cathode Active Material (CAM) and Anode... Read more →

hofer powertrain, a development and technology partner specializing in efficient powertrain solutions, has launched the ULTEVATE Ultra battery module supporting ultra-fast charging. Vehicles can be charged from a state of charge (SOC) of 5% to 85% in just five minutes and to 100% in eight minutes. Despite its high charging... Read more →

In September 2023, a total of 6,750 tonnes of manganese (Mn) were deployed onto roads globally in the batteries of all newly sold passenger EVs combined—25% more than the same month the year prior, according to Adamas Intelligence data. CATL led with 2,405 tonnes of manganese deployed (36%), followed by... Read more →

BASF, a globally leading battery materials producer, and SK On, a globally leading electric vehicle battery cell manufacturer, have entered into an agreement jointly to evaluate collaboration opportunities in the global lithium-ion battery market focused on North America and Asia-Pacific. The collaboration brings together strong business and product development capabilities... Read more →

Li-Metal Corp., a developer of lithium metal anode and lithium metal production technologies for next-generation batteries, announced the successful production of its first batch of ultra-thin lithium on metalized polymer anodes, a second-generation lithium metal anode technology. At Li-Metal’s advanced anode pilot plant in Rochester, New York, the company has... Read more →

Forge Nano, Inc., a materials science company that enables peak performance products through atomic-level surface engineering (earlier post), plans to launch a lithium-ion battery manufacturing business called Forge Battery. The newly formed company intends to produce high-energy and high-power lithium-ion battery cells for defense, aerospace and specialty electric vehicle markets... Read more →

The Ohio State University was joined by Ohio Lt. Gov. Jon Husted, congressional leaders, Honda, Schaeffler Americas and JobsOhio officials Monday to announce the creation of a new battery cell research and development center. Slated to open in April 2025, the lab will accelerate the domestic development of battery cell... Read more →

Group14, a global manufacturer and supplier of advanced silicon battery technology, announced the commencement of Phase I of its European manufacturing roadmap by beginning preparations to restart operations at its newly acquired silane factory in Spreetal, Germany. (Earlier post.) Idled since 2016, the silane factory will manufacture a necessary precursor... Read more →

Exxon Mobil Corporation announced plans to become a leading producer of lithium, a key component of electric vehicle (EV) batteries. Work has begun for the company’s first phase of North America lithium production in southwest Arkansas, an area known to hold significant lithium deposits. First production is targeted for 2027.... Read more →

Euro Manganese announced the successful production of high-purity manganese sulfate monohydrate (HPMSM) from the dissolution and crystallization module at the Chvaletice Demonstration Plant (DP) in the Czech Republic. (Earlier post.) Two independent external laboratories have confirmed samples sent for testing have met the Demonstration Plant target specifications for HPMSM with... Read more →

Safire Technology Group, Inc., a venture-backed company developing advanced battery safety technologies (earlier post), and Glatfelter Corporation, a leading global supplier of engineered materials, have announced a strategic partnership to develop a new battery separator optimized for Safire Group’s SAFe Impact Resistant Electrolyte (SAFIRE) for customers seeking increased performance and... Read more →

In a paper published in the Journal of Power Sources, a team from Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) investigates the changes in electrochemical performance of Li-ion battery cells after conventional cycling and intermittent overcharge cycling and the causes of the changes. Intermittent overcharging occurs during the long-term operation of cells... Read more →

South Korea-based POSCO Holdings and Invest Alberta signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to further the company’s ventures in Alberta. As part of the agreement, POSCO Holdings is considering investing in the exploration, development, and commercialization of oil-field brine lithium in Alberta. POSCO Holdings will commence exploring prospects in the... Read more →

Proterra Inc. and Proterra Operating Company Inc. are in a voluntary Chapter 11 bankruptcy process in the US. (Earlier post.) Volvo Group has been selected as the winning bidder in an auction for the business and assets of the Proterra Powered business unit at a purchase price of US$210 million.... Read more →

Through its MAN Engines business unit, MAN Truck & Bus offers industrial customers the opportunity to use batteries in their mobile and stationary applications. Applications in the agricultural machinery sector, material handling, railway applications, special vehicles such as airport equipment and municipal vehicles, but also marine applications are possible. In... Read more →

Volvo Penta is providing its battery energy storage subsystem to BESS manufacturers venturing into charging infrastructure support, exemplified in a recent collaboration with TecnoGen, part of BGG (Bruno Generators Group). Earlier in 2023, Volvo Penta declared its provision of subsystems for Battery Energy Storage needs, affirming its dedication to being... Read more →

Kongsberg Maritime has selected Leclanché to provide a 5.2 MWh battery system for the newest Cadeler A/S F-class, jack-up vessel for offshore wind farm construction. The F-class vessel is being constructed in Qidong, China, by COSCO Heavy Industries and will sail under the Danish flag. The unnamed vessel will serve... Read more →

Impact Clean Power Technology has unveiled battery systems tailored to the next generation of Alexander Dennis buses—the Enviro100EV and the double-decker Enviro400EV. Production of both vehicle types has already commenced, with deliveries to customers in the UK and Ireland planned for the early months of 2024. In response to our... Read more →

Canada-based Li-Metal Corp., a developer of lithium metal anode and lithium metal production technologies, announced the successful production and shipment of its first batch of lithium metal ingots. The lithium metal ingots were produced at Li-Metal’s recently commissioned lithium metal reprocessing and casting facility in Markham, Ontario, which has the... Read more →

Solid Power, a developer of solid-state battery technology, has shipped its first A-sample cells to enter automotive qualification. It is a reflection of our team’s strong execution that we produced and delivered our first A Sample EV cells for BMW a little over a week ago, marking a major milestone... Read more →

Korea-based SK On signed a battery cell supply agreement with the Swedish EV maker Polestar, securing another long-term growth engine in the global battery market. Under the agreement, SK On will supply battery cells to Polestar for its Polestar 5 flagship EV 4-door coupe from 2025. Polestar 5 is set... Read more →

Amprius Technologies has signed purchase orders with three electric aviation manufacturers for custom cells from the company’s 450 Wh/kg ultra-high-energy density platform for battery pack development and qualification. The custom cells from the 450 Wh/kg platform were developed in collaboration with Amprius’ strategic customers to address their unique HAPS (high-altitude... Read more →

Lithos Energy, a manufacturer of high-performance lithium-ion battery systems engineered for demanding environments, has opened a manufacturing and pilot line facility in Hayward, California for its latest generation of battery systems. The 65,000 square foot engineering facility will feature enhanced pack assembly automation and will manufacture, at scale, Lithos’ high-performance... Read more →

At Agritechnica 2023, MAN Engines will be showing a wide range of proven as well as completely new products under the motto “Powering The Green Transformation – Off-road solutions for the future”. The highlight of the trade fair appearance of MAN Engines—a business unit of MAN Truck & Bus—is the... Read more →

Announcements of private sector investments in US-made battery technologies have been increasing over the last few years, with 208 as of September 2023, according to the US Department of Energy (DOE). There have also been 27 Federal investment announcements. The map below shows locations of new announcements of minerals extraction... Read more →

In late October, the Albanese Government in Australia announced a A$2 billion (US$1.3 billion) expansion in critical minerals financing to solidify Australia’s position as a world leading provider, help the transition to net zero, boost the economy and support more jobs and opportunities for Australians. Critical minerals, including rare earths,... Read more →

Orbia’s Fluorinated Solutions business and Solvay have signed their joint venture agreement to create the largest polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) production facilities for battery materials in the North America region. This partnership brings security of supply with Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) compliant materials and leading-edge PVDF technology together for solutions that... Read more →

Australia-based NOVONIX Limited announced that its NOVONIX Anode Materials division finalized a US$100-million award from the US Department of Energy (DOE) (earlier post) to expand domestic production of high-performance, synthetic graphite anode materials at its Riverside facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee. On 20 October 2022, NOVONIX announced its selection to enter... Read more →