BatteryTech News & Updates – 2025 #02

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 news and updates for the community. You are invited to join and follow. - Julian

Industry Challenges & Technology Advancements

?? Northvolt Shareholders Approve Continued Operations Amid Restructuring

Northvolt shareholders have approved the companies plan to continue operations and advance its restructuring efforts following a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing, citing $5.8 billion in debt. New financing from Scania Group and additional cash collateral will support Northvolt's focus on battery cell production, despite workforce reductions. This approval marks a critical step in the company's recovery. Read more

?? South Korean Battery Firms Delay Factory Completions Amid Weak EV Demand

Major South Korean battery producers are postponing or scaling back factory expansions due to sluggish electric vehicle demand. Companies like Kumyang Co., Ltd , EcoPro BM , and LOTTE Energy Materials Co., Ltd. have delayed projects and reduced investments. Despite current challenges, industry experts anticipate a market rebound as EV prices and performance improve, projecting recovery by 2026–2027. Read more

?? SES AI Unveils AI-Enhanced 2170 Cylindrical Cell at CES 2025

SolidEnergy Systems introduced its AI-enhanced 2170 cylindrical cell designed for humanoid robotics and drones. This innovative battery incorporates advanced electrolyte technology developed in collaboration with NVIDIA, effectively addressing gassing and low-temperature performance challenges. Maintaining the standard form factor, the new cell offers enhanced efficiency, safety, and high-rate capabilities. With the cylindrical cell market expected to reach $50 billion by 2033, SES AI's breakthrough opens significant opportunities in Li-ion applications. Read more

?? NEO Battery Materials Unveils Breakthrough Silicon Battery Capacity, Expanding to Space Industry with Solid-State Batteries

NEO Battery Materials introduced the NBMSiDE? P-300 silicon anode, boosting battery capacity by 43% to 130% compared to graphite anodes while using less material. The company is advancing pilot production and integrating the technology into solid-state batteries, targeting expansion into the space and eVTOL industries for their high-energy density and thermal stability. Read more

?? Svolt Unveils 6C Fast-Charging and Off-Road EV Batteries

Svolt Energy introduces the Fengxing Short Blade Battery, enabling EVs to charge from 10% to 80% in just 8.5 minutes with a 6C rate and 185 Wh/kg density. The company also launched long-life and specialized batteries for off-road and commercial vehicles, celebrating the production of its one-millionth battery pack. These innovations demonstrate Svolt's dedication to advancing EV battery technology and meeting diverse market needs. Read more

?? New Coating Enhances High-Voltage Lithium-Ion Battery Performance

Researchers at the Paul Scherrer Institute have developed a sustainable lithium fluoride coating for battery cathodes, enabling higher voltages and greater energy density while maintaining longevity. This innovative process also recycles the potent greenhouse gas CHF?, boosting both performance and environmental sustainability. The coated batteries show significantly improved capacity retention and reduced resistance, promising advancements for electric vehicles and energy storage. Read more

Collaborations and Partnerships

?? Altilium Teams with Marubeni and SQM for UK Battery Recycling

Altilium Clean Technology is expanding its EV battery recycling operations in the UK with support from Marubeni Corporation and SQM International Lithium (SQMi) . This partnership brings investment and expertise to scale sustainable processes, meeting the growing demand for critical minerals. It promotes a circular economy and supports the transition to net-zero emissions in transportation. Read more

?? Mazda to Build Module Pack Plant for Lithium-ion Batteries in Yamaguchi

Mazda Motor Corporation announced plans to establish a 10 GWh lithium-ion battery plant in Iwakuni City, Yamaguchi Prefecture. The facility will produce cylindrical battery modules from Panasonic Energy, supporting Mazda's first electric vehicle on a specialized platform. This initiative aligns with Mazda's 2030 electrification strategy, enhancing sustainable mobility and local economic growth. Read more

?? JAC and CATL Collaborate on New EV Models Using Advanced Chassis Technology

JAC's EV division, Yiwei, partners with 宁德时代新能源科技股份有限公司 (CATL) to develop new models based on the innovative Bedrock skateboard chassis, emphasizing advanced technology and safety. This collaboration includes battery-swapping capabilities and extended-range electric vehicles. Additionally, they will jointly research intelligent chassis technologies such as thermal management and battery configurations. Read more

?? Lucid Gravity to Use Panasonic's Latest EV Batteries

Lucid Motors partners with Panasonic Energy to equip the upcoming Lucid Gravity Grand Touring SUV with advanced 2170 lithium-ion battery cells. This collaboration aims to deliver up to a 450-mile range using a battery pack 40% smaller than competitors. The Gravity Grand Touring offers high-energy density, ensuring exceptional performance, safety, and longevity. Production begins in December 2024. Read more

?? LG Energy Solution to Supply Cylindrical Batteries for Aptera's Solar EVs

LG Energy Solution has partnered with Aptera Motors and CTNS to supply 4.4 GWh of cylindrical 2170 battery cells for Aptera's solar electric vehicle launch in 2025. This collaboration will support a 400-mile range and innovative solar integration, highlighting LG's leadership in EV battery technology. The batteries feature advanced safety and performance enhancements. Read more

?? Novacium Collaborates with French Army on High-Capacity Silicon Batteries

Novacium SAS , a subsidiary of HPQ Silicon Inc., has partnered with France's Technical Section (STAT) to develop silicon-based military batteries that increase capacity by over 30%. These advanced 18650 cells are designed to enhance equipment endurance and soldier mobility. Prototypes are expected by early 2025, aiming to improve operational effectiveness in the field. Read more

?? South 8 Awarded $1.6M Contract to Develop Military Battery Packs

South 8 Technologies has secured a $1.6 million contract from the U.S. Army to develop standardized lithium-ion battery packs for extreme cold environments. Collaborating with a battery cell manufacturer and a leading pack integrator, they will produce the BB-2590 battery pack. Featuring 24 Arctic? LiGas 18650 cells, these packs enhance energy performance, safety, and charging speed, supporting military operations in diverse climates. Read more

Global EV Battery Market

?? Korean Battery Companies' Global Share Falls to 19.8%

Global EV battery usage surged 26.4% to 785.6 GWh in early 2024. However, South Korea's leading battery manufacturers— LG Energy Solution , SK On , and Samsung SDI —saw their combined market share decline to 19.8%. In contrast, Chinese companies CATL and 比亚迪 expanded their dominance in the growing market. Read more

?? Global EV Battery Demand Soars 26.4% to 785.6 GWh in 2024

Global EV battery usage may have increased by 26.4% to reach 785.6 GWh in 2024, according to SNE Research. Chinese manufacturers CATL and BYD are generally leading the market, while South Korea's LG, SK On, and Samsung SDI experienced growth but a decline in market share. Potential US policy changes could slow future EV demand, impacting battery producers. Read more

?? Global EV Deliveries Up 25.9% in 2024, BYD Tops Market

Global EV deliveries from January to November 2024 rose by 25.9% to reach 15.59 million units, led by BYD with 3.673 million sales. Tesla moved to second place despite a 2% decline. China holds a dominant 58.8% market share, driven by strong models and competitive pricing, while Europe and North America face varied challenges. Read more

?? BYD Leads China's 2024 NEV Market with 34% Share

In 2024, BYD dominated China’s NEV market with a 34.1% share, selling 3.7 million units. Geely and Tesla followed, securing 7.9% and 6.0% market shares respectively. Local startup Li Auto ranked sixth, underscoring the rapid shift towards electric and hybrid vehicles in the world’s largest automotive market. The figures highlight growing consumer preference for NEVs. Read more

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