Learn more about the latest in new battery technology and discover the next generation in battery and energy storage with expert analysis by Power Systems Research analysts.
2025-07-27
Researchers at McGill University in Canada have increased a battery’s energy density by adding a rare-earth metal to an anode.
The scientists added a small amount of neodymium (Nd) to the anode in a bid to increase its energy density without compromising safety. This resulted in a 19% increase in energy density.
In September 2024 the Maersk McKinney Møller Center produced a pre-feasibility study on battery-powered vessels. The report identified battery-hybrid propulsion as an essential part of shipping’s decarbonization toolkit. It demonstrates a clear understanding that batteries offer significant efficiency gains over internal combustion and that partial electrification can sharply reduce greenhouse gas emissions and local air pollution.
2025-07-26
Mitsubishi Logisnext plans to increase the electrification rate of its forklifts from approximately 60% to 90% by 2035. The company has its roots in Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., and it specializes in high-output engine vehicles. However, the global electrification rate has already surpassed 70%, with Chinese companies leading the way in technology. To catch up, the company is introducing new models in China that align with the trend toward electrification.
“The price of lithium-ion batteries has dropped, which has led to increased customer demand for electric forklifts,” said President Maeno of Mitsubishi Logisnext. He highlighted the need to expand the company’s product lineup to meet market needs. As part of this strategy, the company plans to introduce a locally produced electric vehicle model in China by the 2025 fiscal year. The key feature is thorough “localization.” The company has adopted locally sourced batteries, motors, hydraulic components, and other parts to reduce prices to levels comparable to those of Chinese manufacturers. Until now, the company has sold vehicles developed in Japan but has struggled against low-priced local competitors. In China, battery prices have fallen rapidly due to the increased popularity of electric vehicles (EVs). Mitsubishi Logisnext has adopted a “when in Rome, do as the Romans do” strategy to counter this trend. Depending on sales performance, the company plans to expand into markets such as Southeast Asia.
2025-07-24
In the July 2025 issue of the Alternative Power Report produced by Power Systems Research, you’ll find articles on Repsol canceling its 200MW green hydrogen project, Citing technical and economic barriers; Ethiopia updating its ICE vehicle import ban, including SKD and CKD kits; the discovery of a rare-earth metal that increases battery energy density, and the discovery of a new zinc-ion battery that promises a longer lifespan. PSR
Guy Youngs is Forecast and Technology Adoption Lead at Power Systems Research
2025-06-22
The May 2025 issue of the Alternative Power Report contains articles on Volvo’s launch of the world’s first electric articulated Hauler, Aeson Power’s new sodium battery products, the IMO votes on the first-ever global carbon price on shipping, and a report on CATL’s next generation batteries. Read it all here. PSR
Guy Youngs is Forecast and Technology Adoption Lead at Power Systems Research
The April 2025 issue of Guy Youngs’ Alternative Power Report presents articles on Tesla sales and other activities. It also contains several reports on battery development . PSR
Guy Youngs is Forecast and Technology Adoption Lead at Power Systems Research
LG Energy Solution, a major company in South Korea, has withdrawn its investment plan for a materials factory. The company cited a slowdown in the electric vehicle (EV) market and a diminishing competitive advantage in Indonesia, where nickel is widely produced, as reasons for the decision.
Battery production involves processes from material manufacturing to productization, and the withdrawn plans included the construction of a nickel smelter for the main cathode material, as well as the production of cathode precursors and other materials.
The rising demand for zero-emission mobility goes beyond the nice idea of preventing a catastrophic climate crisis. EVs are a better fit for the connected, electrified lifestyle of the 21st century; they offer more opportunities for convenience, they are more useful for weathering power outages and climate-connected emergencies, and they are more adaptable to the needs of fleet managers, among other advantages.
However, while some researchers note that “salt batteries” are not quite ready for prime time, other stakeholders — including industry leader CATL — are already laying plans for mass production. Last month, CATL also burned up the Internet when it announced a suite of two sodium-ion batteries ready for full volume production by the end of this year.
A decade ago, many people believed hydrogen fuel cells were the future, not battery-electric cars. The debates raged and it was common to have press releases, auto executive statements, and debates about the future of hydrogen-powered cars.
In the last decade or so, the market apparently has decided that hydrogen-powered cars do not make sense, and they can’t compete in the market as a result. Despite this situation, there are still plenty of discussions, trials, and vehicle development programs for hydrogen-powered trucks.
2025-06-13
In the last decade or so, the market apparently has decided that hydrogen-powered cars do not make sense, and they can’t compete in the market as a result. Despite this situation, there are still plenty of discussions, trials, and vehicle development programs for hydrogen-powered trucks.
In theory, hydrogen can compete in the truck market, but in practice, it’s an entirely different matter. Battery technology keeps improving rapidly, and solutions for battery-electric trucks are becoming clear. If battery costs keep coming down — as expected — and proper charging hubs for heavy-duty electric vehicles get developed, battery-electric trucks seem set to win the day.
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