BatteryTech News & Updates – 2025 #06

Hello Battery-Tech community and professionals. Here is your weekly update on the latest developments in the global battery industry, battery recycling, EV incentives, and innovative technologies. Follow the Battery-Tech Network LinkedIn page for the latest updates and communications, and industry trends. You are all invited to join and follow.

INDUSTRY & MARKET DEVELOPMENTS

?? SK On Completes Three-Way Merger, Enhancing Battery and Trading

SK On has finalized a three-way merger, positioning itself as a global battery & trading powerhouse. Now ranked as the fifth-largest EV battery manufacturer, the company has integrated SK on trading international and SK Enterm to strengthen raw material sourcing, financial stability, and scalability. The merger expands SK On’s ventures into lithium, nickel, and cobalt materials, ensuring a resilient profit structure with projected revenue growth. Read more

?? European Commission Approves €48M Aid for French EV Battery Plant

The European Commission has granted €48 million in state aid to support Envision AESC ’s lithium-ion battery plant in Douai, France. The facility, projected to create 1,000 jobs and contribute 9 GWh annually to the EV battery sector, aligns with EU sustainability goals and regional economic expansion. Read more

?? Mullen Acquires Nikola Assets to Enhance U.S. Battery Production

Mullen Automotive has secured additional battery production equipment from Nikola Corporation , reinforcing its manufacturing capabilities in Fullerton, California. The acquisition includes a high-output production line and testing infrastructure, advancing Mullen’s strategy to scale up U.S.-made battery components while reducing dependency on imports. Read more

?? Trump’s Proposed Tariffs May Impact Stellantis, VW, and Volvo

Amid U.S.-EU trade tensions, former President Trump’s proposal of a 25% tariff on cars imported from Mexico, Canada, and Europe could significantly impact leading automakers like Stellantis , Volkswagen , and Volvo Group . Analysts warn of supply chain disruptions and rising vehicle costs, while industry groups advocate for diplomatic trade resolutions. Read more

?? EU Launches Competitiveness Compass to Boost Innovation and Sustainability

The European Commission has introduced the Competitiveness Compass, a strategic initiative to reinforce EU innovation, decarbonization, and supply chain resilience. Aligning with climate neutrality goals, the framework emphasizes regulatory streamlining, AI-integrated Gigafactories, and clean energy expansion to drive long-term economic growth. Read more

?? TotalEnergies Distances Itself from ACC’s Kaiserslautern Battery Project

TotalEnergies has voiced doubts about ACC’s planned battery cell factory in Kaiserslautern, Germany. CEO Patrick Pouyanné emphasized the need to focus on a single production facility rather than multiple sites, questioning the feasibility of ACC’s Termoli project in Italy. This skepticism may limit ACC to its existing factory in France, potentially impacting Europe’s battery manufacturing ambitions. Read more

TECHNOLOGY & RESEARCH

?? Samsung SDI Expands LFP Battery Production for Energy Storage Amid EV Slump

Samsung SDI is scaling up lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery production at its Ulsan facility, aiming for U.S. mass production by the end of the year. With EV sales slowing globally, the company is shifting from NCM to LFP technology, targeting North America's grid-scale energy storage market with competitive, high-capacity battery solutions. Read more

?? Novacium’s Silicon Anode Batteries Outperform 18650 Cells at 900 Cycles

Novacium SAS ’s latest advancements in silicon anode technology showcase batteries maintaining 80% capacity beyond 900 charge cycles, demonstrating a 31% energy gain compared to standard 18650 cells. The company, in partnership with HPQ Silicon Inc., is setting up a pilot plant for large-scale silicon battery production, reinforcing its technological edge in next-gen lithium-ion batteries. Read more

?? Storion Energy Launches U.S. Supply for Vanadium Flow Batteries

Storion Energy , a Stryten Energy and Largo Clean Energy venture, has launched a domestic supply chain for vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFBs). The initiative introduces a leasing model to drive VRFB adoption, leveraging access to the Western Hemisphere’s sole operational vanadium mine. This project supports the U.S. Department of Energy’s goal of lowering grid storage costs to $0.05/kWh by 2030. Read more

?? BMBF Launches Project to Rapidly Industrialize Sodium-Ion Batteries in Europe

The BMBF has initiated the SIB:DE FORSCHUNG project to assess sodium-ion batteries for Europe’s energy and mobility transition. Collaborating with 21 national partners, the initiative aims to enhance the stability and scalability of SIBs, integrating sustainable battery solutions by 2027. Led by BASF, the consortium focuses on improving performance and adapting production processes. Read more

MANUFACTURING & INFRASTRUCTURE

?? Global EV Battery Swapping Market Poised for Rapid Growth by 2029

The EV battery swapping market is expected to balloon from $894.2 million in 2024 to $2.80 billion by 2029, boasting a 25.5% CAGR. Interest in instant battery replacements, particularly in Asia-Pacific and Europe, is growing as governments roll out supportive policies to curb vehicle downtime in urban areas. Read more

?? Toyota to Build Wholly-Owned Shanghai Factory for Lexus EVs

Toyota Motor Corporation is set to establish a dedicated EV factory in Shanghai’s Jinshan District, with production planned for 2027. The facility will manufacture Lexus BEVs and batteries, capitalizing on local infrastructure and adding 1,000 new jobs, reinforcing Toyota’s expansion and market strategy in China. Read more

?? Sungrow and CEEC Complete Central Asia’s Largest Energy Storage Project

Sungrow Power Supply Co., Ltd. , in partnership with China Energy Engineering Corporation, has successfully delivered the 150 MW/300 MWh Lochin energy storage facility in Uzbekistan—the region’s largest. Deploying Sungrow’s PowerTitan 2.0 system, the project boosts energy stability and aligns with Uzbekistan’s goal of sourcing 40% of its energy from renewables by 2030. Read more

?? NEO Battery Materials Scales Production to 20 Tons Annually for Testing

NEO Battery Materials is increasing its annual production capacity to 20 tons to satisfy the growing demand for its advanced P-300 silicon anode materials. The company is also initiating mass-producibility testing to transition to factory-level production, reinforcing its position in the lithium-ion battery market. Additionally, NEO has secured a new patent, enhancing its intellectual property portfolio. Read more

RECYCLING & SUSTAINABILITY

?? Li-Cycle Expands EU with New Recycling Partnership in Germany

Li-Cycle has partnered with a leading automotive OEM to enhance lithium-ion battery recycling at its Germany Spoke facility. This initiative strengthens Europe’s closed-loop battery supply chain, ensuring a robust source of critical materials while promoting sustainability in global EV production. Read more

?? Altilium Sends Second Recycled CAM Shipment for UK Battery Production

Altilium Clean Technology has delivered its second batch of recycled cathode active material (CAM) to the UK Battery Industrialisation Centre, advancing the country’s high-nickel EV battery production. This marks progress in aligning with EU 2031 recycling standards and reducing battery-related carbon emissions. Read more

?? Altilium Begins Recycling LFP EV Batteries for Global OEM

Altilium Clean Technology has launched lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery recycling operations, partnering with a major global EV manufacturer. Its proprietary EcoCathodeTM technology enables high-recovery rates for lithium and graphite, contributing to a sustainable circular economy and supporting OEM sustainability targets. Read more

?? Poland Unveils Ambitious Electric Vehicle Subsidy Program

Poland’s revamped NaszEauto program, launching February 1, offers €4,460 incentives for new EV buyers and €2,370 for scrapping older vehicles. Designed to accelerate national e-mobility growth, the program allocates 1.6 billion z?oty toward electric vehicle adoption. However, it excludes large fleets, raising industry concerns. Read more

Thank you for reading. Keep up with battery technology by signing up for weekly updates.