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.
Trump gives other nations a real opportunity. Ilika is known for its micro-batteries, and the firm is now heading towards commercial production of its ”Goliath” solid-state EV battery with an assist from the UK government. In September, the company announced that a prototype version of its Goliath solid-state EV battery cell passed a critical safety test, and things have been moving along quickly since then. On Oct. 3, the company reported that the completion of additional safety tests for its D5 prototype solid-state EV battery
Today’s Li-ion EV batteries are designed with safety at the forefront. Though fires can occur, they are extremely rare, and they are proportionally rarer than fires involving internal combustion vehicles. So, if a solid-state EV battery can reduce if not eliminate the need for elaborate safety systems, the payout can be significant for automakers seeking a foothold in the affordable EV market of the future
The battery and energy storage industry is watching intently the pending trade war between the US and its trade partners. Few industry players are willing to talk on the record about the situation – not least because it is a turbulent and unclear time.
But James Greenberger, executive director of the battery association NAATBatt International told BEST that trade tariffs may benefit certain industries in the US. But the lithium battery industry “will not be one of them,” he said.
Renault has devised a device to speed up the extinguishing of a burning electric car battery. This “Fireman Access” point is now licensed free of charge to the entire automotive industry.
A fire can be brought under control in time comparable to that of a combustion-powered vehicle, thanks to a simple little device.
This month, Alternative Power Report Editor Guy Youngs brings readers up to date on Elon Musk and Tesla activities around the world. Sales are down, stock price is down, and consumer anger is up. Read about it in the March issue of the Alternative Power Report produced by Power Systems Research. The March report also contains information on EV battery development and the tariff wars launched by U.S. President Donald Trump. PSR
Guy Youngs is Forecast and Technology Adoption Lead at Power Systems Research
The financial results for the year ending December 2024 of the three major Korean battery manufacturers all showed a decrease in sales compared to the previous year due to the sluggish sales of EVs worldwide. Unable to recoup the amount of upfront investment they had made in anticipation of the increasing shift to EVs, the companies are reviewing their plans for increased production.
SK ON has announced that it will delay the startup of its new U.S. plant, which was planned for 2025. LG Energy Solution, the largest company in South Korea, also reported a decline in both revenue and profit. Sales fell 24% and operating profit fell 73%. This is the first time since the company became an independent battery-focused subsidiary of the LG Group in 2020 that it has seen a decline in both sales and profits. Samsung SDI also saw a 23% drop in sales and a 76% drop in operating profit.
Recycling could enable Europe to cut its reliance on EV battery mineral imports by up to a quarter by the end of the decade, a new study finds. Materials from end-of-life batteries and gigafactory scrap have the potential to build up to 2.4 million EVs locally in 2030, according to research by Transport & Environment (T&E).
Recycling spent cells and production scrap could provide 14% of the lithium, 16% of the nickel, 17% of the manganese, and a quarter (25%) of the cobalt that Europe will need for electric cars in 2030.
The January 2025 issue of the Alternative Power Report published by Power Systems Research includes articles on Chinese EV activities in Europe and Brazil, EV sales in Europe, battery development and Chinese hybrids. PSR
The December 2024 issue of the Alternative Power Report published by Power Systems Research includes articles the successful trends in Chinese EV production, Mercedes’ solar paint product for EVs, new research on sodium-ion batteries and the development of rotary engines powered by hydrogen. PSR
Guy Youngs is Forecast and Technology Adoption Lead at Power Systems Research
The recent USA presidential elections suggest that the USA will embrace its status as the world’s leading gasoline state, while previous gasoline states like Saudi Arabia plough vast sums into the energy of the future, renewables.
The USA ceded manufacturing of the technologies required for fighting climate change — solar panels, wind turbines, batteries, electric vehicles, heat pumps, transformers, and more — to other countries, mostly China, over the past 40 years.
Under President Biden, the USA enacted massive and unprecedented tariffs to protect the remaining industries, working to keep American money at home. President-elect Donald Trump apparently will increase tariffs, according to statements he and other Republicans have made over the past year. These tariffs would be placed on imports from long-standing free-trade neighbors like Canada and Mexico.
PSR Analysis: If President-elect Trump does take America down this path, there is a suggestion that US alternative power/renewables industries will follow the fate of US innovation. Until recently, the USA led the world in innovation, but now foreign students are returning to their countries and being welcomed to do research with big budgets. PSR
Guy Youngs is Forecast & Adoption Lead at Power Systems Research
The world’s largest EV battery maker is advancing a new type of battery, which promises higher energy density. According to a new local report, CATL is investing heavily while ramping up its workforce to bring all-solid-state EV batteries to market.
The company’s solution has an energy density of up to 500 Wh/kg for lithium ternary batteries, 40% more than current batteries. However, the report said charging speed and cycle life are not quite where they need to be
PSR Analysis: With trial production reportedly kicking off, we could see CATL launch all-solid-state EV batteries soon. The benefits of solid state batteries (higher energy density leading to longer range, rapid charging, safety and lower weight) are well known. PSR
Guy Youngs is Forecast & Adoption Lead at Power Systems Research
