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.
As battery technology increases, the opportunities for battery-powered equipment continue to grow, especially in the Lawn & Garden and recreational products segments. The factors of reduced weight, increased charging capacity and lower cost are making battery-powered equipment more attractive to consumers and commercial users in these segments.
Lawn & Garden. The capacity of lithium-ion battery technology to meet the horsepower needs of the homeowner and the commercial landscaper has grown significantly in the last couple of years. Battery-powered lawn and garden equipment can now match the power of traditional gas-powered lawn and garden equipment. Some brands now have available 56V which is more than double what was the standard power available. Batteries now charge quicker, last longer, and can hold a charge indefinitely.
Lithium-air batteries seemed destined for the dustbin of automotive history just a few years ago. But the US Department of Energy has tapped four different Li-air projects in a new round of funding aimed at developing new batteries powerful enough to move full-sized airplanes, locomotives, and seagoing vessels.
CleanTechnica’s 2023 provisional report shows a 40% growth in demand for lithium-ion batteries in the automotive sector, reaching 712 GWh. CATL and BYD lead the market, with CATL holding a 34% share due to its successful partnerships and innovative battery technologies. BYD moved into second place with 16% share, up from 14% in 2022, replacing LG, which slid to third place with a 15% share. It had 17% in 2022. BYD grew 59% YoY.
CATL produced 243,000 units in 2023, up from 164,000 units in 2022. BYD produced 116,000 units in 2023, an increase from 73,000 in 2022.
LG lost share in 2023 due to the lack of new orders, GM’s troubled ramp-up of its new EVs, the end of life of some important volume models, and also the fact that volume from some clients, like Mercedes or Ford, is being diverted to the competition.
The February issue of the Alternative Power Report produced by Power Systems Research contains articles on China battery production and Chinese EV market share gains in Thailand. There’s also news about CATL’s wind power project and several articles about EV heavy truck development.
Lawn and garden equipment manufacturers make powered lawn and garden equipment, primarily for household and business maintenance of lawns and gardens. Equipment manufactured by this industry includes lawn tractors, riding and standing mowers, hedge trimmers, leaf blowers, woodchippers and other machinery for maintaining lawns and gardens.
Industry Trends. Increased per household spending on lawn care and gardening services by the American family, younger individuals purchasing residential property, easing of COVID-19 restrictions and other factors like lawns adding to the aesthetic appeal of the residential property, is anticipated to bolster the DIY and commercial lawn care market.
Deutz AG signed an agreement Jan. 19, 2024, to sell its shares in Torqeedo to Yamaha Motor Co Ltd. The sale of Torqeedo’s shares were planned and announced at the Deutz Annual General Meeting held in April 2023.
Torqeedo is a market leader in developing and manufacturing advanced marine electric engines and propulsion systems.
BYD is negotiating to acquire Sigma Lithium, the largest lithium mining entity in Brazil, according to the Financial Times. The potential agreement could be valued at US$ 5 billion (R$ 14.3 billion). Sigma Lithium operates a lithium mining facility in the Jequitinhonha Valley in the state of Minas Gerais. The strategic intent behind this acquisition by the Chinese manufacturer is to secure a stable supply of raw materials essential for the production of batteries to power its electric vehicles.
BYD has expanded its presence in Brazil through the acquisition of the Ford plant in Camaçari (BA). This facility is earmarked for the production of light vehicles. Additionally, BYD operates a manufacturing plant in Campinas (SP), specializing in the production of bus chassis and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PhEV) panels.
PSR Analysis. After Tesla demonstrated interest in the same company, BYD advances its negotiations. It is in line with BYD’s strategy of verticalization and helps to solve one of the strategic bottlenecks of EV production, minerals availability and price. PSR
Fabio Ferraresi is Director Business Development South America for Power Systems Research
The Thai government has announced the discovery of a large lithium deposit, calling the deposit the third largest in the world after Bolivia and Argentina. It has estimated reserves of approximately 14.8 million tons. The deposit was found at two sites in the southern province of Phang Nga. However, it will take some time to find out how much of the discovered resources can be used.
Thailand is keen to become the center of EV production in Southeast Asia, leveraging its experience in assembling conventional cars, and the discovery of the lithium deposit will give the country a boost in achieving this goal.
Sila’s Titan Silicon anode powder consists of tiny particles of nano-structured silicon that replaces graphite in traditional lithium ion batteries. Compared to graphite, silicon stores up to 10 times more energy, so using it instead of graphite for anodes — which release electrons when a battery discharges — can significantly improve a battery’s energy density.
However, the material swells during repeated charging, with the resulting cracks radically reducing battery life. The Sila technology allows for this expansion by using nano-scale carbon “scaffolding” to keep the silicon in check.
The silicon powder has several advantages. With it, EVs could soon be able to travel up to 500 miles without stopping to charge. When the need does arise to recharge, the Sila batteries could do so in about 10 minutes.
PSR Analysis: Using silicon powder does not require new manufacturing techniques so the technology is proven and should be relatively cheap (but this wasn’t mentioned in the article) and it bypasses the virtual Chinese monopoly on purified graphite (China currently supplies 96% of the purified graphite used by the world’s battery makers). PSR
Guy Youngs, is Forecast & Adoption Leadat Power Systems Research
Consumers, Professionals Boost Lawn & Garden Spending 
