BatteryTech News & Updates – 2024 #50
Julian Renpenning
Scientific-Technological Marketing & Business Development | Battery-Tech Enthusiast | Clean Energy | B2B Marketing Expert | Consultant | Former Scientist, PhD, Postdoc
Hello Battery-Tech community and professionals. Here is your weekly update of major developments in the global battery industry and EV market. Find more regular updates on the Battery-Tech Network LinkedIn page, where I will post all battery tech-related news and announcements for the community. You are all invited to join and follow. - Julian
🔋 QuantumScape Completes Separator Plant to Scale Solid-State Battery Production
QuantumScape has completed its 'Cobra' separator plant, which should enable large-scale production of its B-sample solid-state battery cells by 2025. Partnering with Volkswagen’s PowerCo , the QSE-5 cell might deliver an energy density of 844 Wh/L and support rapid charging, potentially marking a significant advancement in automotive battery technology. This milestone is generally seen as crucial for scaling the company’s battery technology to meet future market demands.
🔋 GreenRoc and Morrow Batteries Partner to Develop Sustainable Graphite Supply
GreenRoc Strategic Materials and Morrow Batteries have formed a strategic partnership to potentially develop sustainable graphite active anode material for battery production. This collaboration might establish a Nordic battery value chain with a reduced environmental impact by sourcing graphite from GreenRoc’s Amitsoq mine in Greenland to Morrow’s Gigafactory in Norway. Plans could include co-locating production facilities to lower transportation costs and emissions, while enhancing supply security. The partnership is generally seen as a significant step toward building a sustainable and secure battery material supply in Europe.
🔋 Stellantis and Zeta Energy Develop Sustainable Lithium-Sulfur Batteries
Stellantis and Texas-based Zeta Energy Corp. are partnering to develop lithium-sulfur batteries that could offer up to 50% faster charging and lower costs compared to current technologies. The new batteries might reduce reliance on critical minerals like cobalt and nickel, enhancing sustainability. Planned for implementation in Stellantis vehicles by 2030, this collaboration seeks to improve energy density and vehicle performance. Additionally, the batteries are expected to be lighter, potentially extending vehicle range.
🔋 First Details of BYD’s New Blade Battery Revealed
Initial reports indicate that BYD may launch a new generation of its Blade battery in 2025, potentially achieving a 15% cost reduction in LFP batteries. The company is developing two variants with energy densities of 160 Wh/kg and 210 Wh/kg. These batteries might be integrated into models like BYD’s U7 sedan. Pricing for the fast-charging version could remain similar or slightly higher, while the energy-efficient variant might decrease by 15%.
🔋 Stellantis and CATL to Invest €4.1B in Spanish LFP Battery Plant
Stellantis and Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (CATL) have announced a joint venture to potentially invest up to €4.1 billion in a carbon-neutral lithium iron phosphate battery plant in Zaragoza, Spain. The facility might begin production by 2026 with a capacity of up to 50 GWh, aiming to enhance affordable electric vehicle options in Europe. This collaboration could support Stellantis’s BEV offerings in the B and C segments and aligns with efforts to advance e-mobility in the region.
🔋 Li-Cycle and Glencore Resume Collaboration on Italian Recycling Hub Project
Li-Cycle has resumed its partnership with Glencore International AG to explore the feasibility of a new battery recycling hub in Portovesme, Italy. The collaboration might enhance Europe’s battery supply chain through sustainable recycling solutions. Glencore is expected to lead and fund the assessment, while Li-Cycle would provide technical expertise. The proposed hub could support the European Union’s goals for battery regulation and material recycling by 2030.
🔋 Sionic Energy and Group14 Technologies Launch 100% Silicon Anode Battery
Sionic Energy has partnered with Group14 Technologies to introduce a 100% silicon anode battery, potentially increasing energy density by 42%. This innovation replaces traditional graphite with Group14’s SCC55™, aiming to enhance performance and support rapid charging. Designed for seamless integration, the battery supports various cell formats, which could facilitate broader adoption in commercial markets.
🔋 Ascend Elements to Boost U.S. Lithium Carbonate Production by 60% in 2025
Ascend Elements plans to increase its lithium carbonate production by 60% in 2025, aiming to produce up to 3,000 metric tons annually at its Covington, GA facility. This expansion could position Ascend Elements as the first new domestic source of lithium carbonate in the U.S. this century. The company’s sustainable recovery process from used lithium-ion batteries is generally believed to significantly reduce carbon emissions compared to traditional mining methods. This development might help meet the growing demand for advanced battery materials in various industries.
🔋 Factorial Unveils 40Ah All-Solid-State Battery Cells with Dry Coating Process
Factorial Energy has introduced its first Solstice 40Ah all-solid-state battery cells, featuring a novel dry cathode coating process. This innovation could enhance energy density and scalability for electric mobility while potentially reducing environmental impact by eliminating hazardous solvents. The dry coating method might also lower operating costs and improve cell performance. These developments signify progress toward commercial viability in various electric mobility sectors.
🔋 Nanoramic Raises $44 Million to Propel Neocarbonix® Commercialization
Nanoramic, Inc. has secured $44 million in funding, co-led by GM Ventures and Catalus Capital, with participation from Samsung Ventures and others. This investment aims to advance the commercialization of its Neocarbonix technology, potentially enhancing battery performance, sustainability, and cost-efficiency. Neocarbonix offers a PFAS-free solution for lithium-ion batteries and could improve worker safety in manufacturing. The funding might accelerate adoption across various industries through strategic partnerships.
🔋 Gotion Confirms €2.5 Billion Investment in Battery Cell Facilities in Slovakia and Morocco
GOTION HIGH-TECH plans to invest €2.5 billion in new battery cell plants in Morocco and Slovakia, each aiming for a 20 GWh annual capacity. In Morocco, Gotion Power Morocco will collaborate with CDG Group, while the Slovakian facility will be a joint venture with InoBat . These initiatives could support the rising demand for EV battery cells and may enhance Gotion’s global footprint. Future expansions might further increase production capacities at both sites.
🔋 Sakuu’s Kavian Platform Sets a New Benchmark in Dry-Process Battery Manufacturing
Sakuu is progressing its Kavian platform, which uses a dry-process method for battery electrode production, potentially reducing CO₂ emissions and supporting multiple chemistries. Customer orders might commence in 2025, as the platform aims to improve battery performance and sustainability. Recognized by BloombergNEF and TIME, Sakuu’s advancements could address manufacturing scaling challenges.
🔋 EVE Energy Launches 60 GWh Super Energy Storage Plant and Advances Large-Capacity Battery Cell Production
EVE Energy Co.,Ltd. has launched a new 60 GWh energy storage plant and begun mass production of its “Mr. Big” battery cells, exceeding 600 Ah. The facility is among the largest in the industry, potentially enhancing safety and reducing production costs. This development might address the increasing demand for higher capacity and improved efficiency in energy storage solutions. Additionally, EVE Energy has integrated advanced monitoring systems to bolster safety measures.
🔋 Existing EV Batteries May Last Up to 40% Longer Than Previously Estimated
Recent research from the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory-Stanford Battery Center suggests that real-world driving conditions might extend the lifespan of electric vehicle batteries beyond laboratory estimates. Published in Nature Energy, the study indicates that patterns like stop-and-go traffic and varied trip lengths could benefit battery longevity. These findings imply that EV batteries could last up to 40% longer, potentially reducing the need for early replacements. This insight could encourage automakers to update battery management software to enhance longevity under actual driving conditions.
🔋 European Commission Launches €3.4B Innovation Fund for Decarbonisation Technologies
The European Commission has launched a €3.4 billion Innovation Fund to accelerate decarbonization technologies across Europe. This includes a dedicated €1 billion call for EV battery cell manufacturing, with applications open until April 24, 2025. In partnership with the European Investment Bank, the initiative might bolster Europe’s battery value chain and support the clean energy transition efforts.
🔋 Battery Pack Prices Fall to $115 per kWh, Biggest Drop Since 2017
Lithium-ion battery pack prices declined by 20% in 2023, reaching a new low of $115 per kWh, the largest annual decrease since 2017, according to BloombergNEF. This reduction might be attributed to manufacturing overcapacity, economies of scale, cheaper materials, and the adoption of lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) batteries. China currently leads with the lowest prices, and analysts expect prices could continue to decrease in the coming years.
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