BatteryTech News & Updates – 2025 #05

Hello Battery-Tech Community and Professionals! Here is your weekly update on the latest news and developments in the global battery industry, EV market, and energy storage landscape. As always, we aim to spotlight innovations, market trends, and sustainability advancements shaping the future of batteries. Follow the Battery-Tech Network on LinkedIn for daily updates and join the conversation with fellow industry experts.

INDUSTRY & MARKET DEVELOPMENTS

?? Chancellor Scholz Visits Vulcan’s Lithium and Geothermal Facilities

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz visited Vulcan Energy Resources’ Landau facilities, highlighting Germany’s commitment to green energy and securing a domestic lithium supply. Vulcan’s LEOP utilizes geothermal brine to produce Europe’s first fully sustainable lithium chloride, advancing EV and renewable initiatives. The visit underscored the importance of establishing a secure lithium value chain and expanding geothermal energy projects across Germany and Europe. Read more

?? Volvo Cars to Acquire NOVO Energy, Subject to Approvals

沃尔沃汽车 announced plans to fully acquire NOVO Energy AB from Northvolt AB, pending regulatory approvals. The acquisition includes a framework for future collaboration in North America, reinforcing Volvo’s strategic growth. The deal awaits clearance from US and Swedish authorities and is not expected to impact Volvo’s other investments or financial goals. Read more

?? Northvolt Seeks $1.3 Billion from Shareholders to Revive Business

Northvolt is seeking $1.29 billion from shareholders over two years to stabilize operations after filing Chapter 11 in the U.S. last November. The urgent funding aims to sustain the company until February 2025 amid production challenges. Discussions are ongoing with strategic and financial investors, including major shareholders like Goldman Sachs, BMW, Volkswagen, and Scania. Read more

?? Armor Battery Films Boosts Production at New French Facility

Armor Battery Films has commenced production of its En’ Safe coated current collectors at the new La Chevrolière facility in France, expanding capacity fivefold to meet global battery market demand. The 8,000 m2 plant operates continuously and includes advanced workshops and laboratories to enhance product development. This expansion supports the growing EV and energy storage sectors by delivering high-quality battery components. Read more

BATTERY TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION

?? NIO Helps Establish New EV Battery Swap Standard

NIO蔚来 has partnered with industry leaders through DKE to develop the DIN EN IEC 62840-2 standard, advancing battery swapping for electric vehicles. This initiative promotes faster, more flexible, and sustainable electromobility, aligning with German preferences where 63% favor swappable batteries. The collaboration ensures reliability, interoperability, and safety in battery swapping technology. Read more

?? AI Optimizes Lithium-Ion Battery Production in InForm Project

PEM RWTH Aachen University and partners have completed the “InForm” project, funded by Germany’s Federal Ministry of Education and Research. Utilizing AI, they streamlined lithium-ion battery production, reducing process time by up to 70%, decreasing costs, and enhancing quality. This breakthrough enables the creation of customized, high-performance batteries with extended lifespans. Read more

?? SES AI Secures $10 Million in Contracts for AI-Enhanced EV Batteries

SolidEnergy Systems Corporation secured $10M in contracts with two global automotive OEMs to develop AI-enhanced electrolyte materials for Li-Metal and Li-ion batteries. This milestone advances the commercial application of AI in battery material discovery for automotive use. Revenue from these agreements is expected through mid-2025, building on SES AI’s innovative AI-driven battery technology. Read more

BATTERY MATERIALS & REFINING

?? E3 Lithium Achieves Battery-Grade Lithium Carbonate Production

E3 Lithium has successfully produced 99.71% pure battery-grade lithium carbonate from Leduc brines in Calgary, marking a significant milestone. This achievement strengthens their prospects for partnerships and scaling to meet the growing demand in the EV and energy storage markets. Further details on their Lithium Brine Demonstration Facility are expected soon. Read more

?? Mangrove Lithium Secures $35M for North America’s First Electrochemical Refinery

Mangrove Lithium has raised $35 million to build North America’s first electrochemical lithium refinery in Delta, BC, set to operate by late 2025. The facility will produce battery-grade lithium for approximately 25,000 electric vehicles annually, enhancing regional energy independence. Investors include Mitsubishi, Breakthrough Energy Ventures, and others, supporting Mangrove’s innovative and sustainable refining technology. Read more

?? Researchers Develop Green Lithium Extraction for EV Batteries

美国乔治·华盛顿大学 researchers have created an eco-friendly and cost-effective method to extract lithium from geothermal brines for electric vehicle batteries. This innovative process avoids harmful chemicals, supporting the clean energy transition and enhancing resource independence. The team plans to scale up the technology to meet the growing demand for sustainable lithium in the EV sector. Read more

RECYCLING & SUSTAINABILITY

?? Novacium Secures Patent for Black Aluminum Dross Conversion

Novacium SAS , a French affiliate of HPQ Silicon Inc. , has patented a Waste-to-Energy process that transforms toxic Black Aluminum Dross into green hydrogen and valuable by-products. This innovation promotes fully circular aluminum recycling, boosting sustainability and resource efficiency. Early laboratory tests have garnered interest from leading European recyclers, setting the stage for scalable, eco-friendly waste management solutions. Read more

?? Global Energy Transition Investment Surpasses $2 Trillion in 2024

Investment in the global low-carbon energy transition reached a record $2.1 trillion in 2024, marking an 11% increase from the previous year, according to BloombergNEF ’s report. Growth was driven by electrified transport, renewable energy, power grids, and energy storage. China led with $818 billion, while the US, EU, and other regions also contributed significantly. However, investment in emerging clean technologies declined by 23%, highlighting the need for increased support to achieve net-zero by 2050. Read more

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