Current Cell Chronicles - January 2024

AI-Powered Battery Insights

Discover the latest buzz in the world of batteries with this AI-edited monthly newsletter. From recent research findings to industry news, we've got you covered. Get a snapshot of what's been happening in the battery world over the past month, all presented and edited by Anxer's AI Battery Assistant.

In the battery industry, Microsoft's breakthrough using AI to discover new materials for solid-state batteries stands out. Researchers have made strides in cathode materials, solid-state battery technology, and improved manufacturing. Government initiatives aim to secure critical mineral supplies, while challenges persist in lithium battery recycling. Cost reductions have fueled industry growth, with companies like BYD, Panasonic Energy, Tiamat, CATL, and Stellantis investing in manufacturing and collaborations. The dynamic market includes BYD surpassing Tesla in EV sales and Tesla's success in energy storage.

- Researchers at Microsoft worked on finding new materials for solid-state batteries by tweaking the structure of electrolytes and using AI algorithms to eliminate unstable and weak materials. After starting with 23.6 million candidate materials, the researchers narrowed down the list to a few hundred candidates within a few days.

- Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory created uniform, crystalline cathode particles through a combination of sodium, nickel, manganese, and oxygen, for sodium-ion batteries. By using this cathode material, the cost, scarcity, and toxicity concerns associated with cobalt, which is commonly used in lithium-ion batteries, are mitigated. The new cathode material is expected to significantly reduce the cost of sodium-ion batteries, making them one-third cheaper than lithium-ion batteries.

- Researchers at Harvard University developed a solid-state battery that has been scaled up to the size of a smartphone. This new battery design retains 80% of its capacity after 6,000 cycles, outperforming other pouch cell batteries on the market. Additionally, the battery can recharge in only about 10 minutes due to the homogenous surface created by coated particles, which evenly distribute current density and prevent the growth of dendrites.

- Argonne National Laboratory has invented and patented a new cathode material that replaces lithium ions with sodium, making the batteries significantly cheaper. The innovation involves developing a sodium-ion battery cathode inspired by lithium-ion battery technology. The new cathode, sodium nickel-manganese-iron (NMF) oxide, features a layered structure for efficient sodium ion movement. Unlike the original lithium cathode, it eliminates cobalt, addressing cost and toxicity concerns associated with cobalt in batteries.

- A significant step towards the commercialization of solid-state batteries is the implementation of hot isostatic pressing (HIP) for solid-electrolyte materials. The HIP process involves subjecting the materials to high temperature and pressure in a sealed container, which helps to eliminate defects and achieve uniform density. This results in solid-electrolyte materials with improved properties, such as enhanced conductivity and stability. By utilizing HIP, researchers and manufacturers can produce solid-electrolyte materials that are suitable for battery manufacturing on an industrial scale.

- The US federal government is working to increase critical mineral supplies through international agreements and accelerated domestic mining to meet the growing demand for electric vehicles and energy storage batteries.

- According to Benchmark Mineral Intelligence, at least 384 new mines for graphite, lithium, nickel, and cobalt are needed by 2035 to meet the demand for electric vehicles and energy storage batteries. This number drops to 336 mines when considering the recycling of raw materials. This highlights the significant challenge in meeting the growing demand for battery minerals and metals, and the importance of making decisions now to ensure efficient recycling and prevent potential environmental crises.

- The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that 99% of rechargeable lead-acid batteries from vehicles with gas and diesel engines are recycled, making them the most recycled consumer product in America.

- Currently, less than 5% of lithium batteries, including those used in electric vehicles (EVs), are being recycled. This is a significant concern because landfilled lithium EV batteries can become fire hazards if stored improperly, leading to potential fires and toxic smoke. With the number of EVs expected to rise in the coming years, reaching tens of millions of units being junked annually starting in the mid-2030s, the problem of improper disposal and lack of recycling for lithium batteries is growing.

- At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Robin Zeng Yuqun, founder and CEO of Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL), emphasized the need to avoid geopolitical issues in battery recycling technologies. CATL claimed to be able to recycle almost all of the nickel, cobalt, and manganese used in EV batteries. Zeng warned that the demand for critical materials could increase by five times in the next 10 years due to the fast growth of the EV industry. He also cautioned that there might be very limited new critical materials available for mining if societies fully embrace electric cars.

- The team at Cornell Engineering has developed a lithium battery that can charge in less than five minutes, making it the fastest charging battery on the market. This breakthrough is significant because it addresses the issue of "range anxiety" among electric vehicle drivers.

- The EV revolution in America has experienced a setback due to inadequate charging infrastructure. However, there is hope for improvement as better charging infrastructure is expected to be implemented in the coming year. This development is crucial for ensuring that electric cars can be relied upon to take people wherever they need to go without any limitations or excuses.

- According to an Energy Department recap in January 2023, the cost of a lithium-ion EV battery pack fell 89% between 2008 and 2022. The estimated cost in 2022 was $153/kWh, compared to $1,355/kWh in 2008. The decline in cost is attributed to improvements in battery technologies, chemistries, and an increase in manufacturing volume.

- The battery domino effect: As battery costs fall and energy density improves, various sectors in Europe have started adopting battery-electric technologies. This includes consumer electronics, two- and three-wheelers, cars, trucks, and battery storage. This trend is expected to continue, with batteries potentially taking market share in shipping and aviation by 2030

- Blue Solutions is working on a passenger car battery with a charging time of 20 minutes and aims to construct a "gigafactory" for it by 2029.

- Panasonic Energy is focusing on Nevada to increase output by 10% in fiscal year 2025, while it has delayed its plan to build a third battery plant in North America due to cooling demand for electric vehicles. Panasonic has experienced a decline in its market share in the automotive EV business, partly due to the shift in Tesla's battery suppliers.

- Tiamat is constructing a battery factory in northern France, specifically in the Hauts-de-France region, which is booming in the battery sector. This factory will join other battery cell factories, a battery recycling plant, and a cathode material plant being built in Dunkerque. The company has successfully raised 30 million euros in a financing round, with new investors including Stellantis, Arkema, and MBDA.

- CATL is partnering with Stellantis in Europe to build a battery plant. The exact location of this plant is not specified.

- BYD has surpassed Tesla as the top EV maker in the fourth quarter of 2023, selling more battery-powered vehicles than their U.S. rival. BYD, which began by making phone batteries, has become an electric car giant and aims to be China's largest auto manufacturer. They are investing 10 billion yuan ($1.4 billion) into a new battery factory in the US for sodium-ion batteries, which will be used in electric scooters and micro vehicles. This facility will have an 85% automation rate and will produce energy storage systems ranging from 3 to 30 kWh.

- CATL has partnered with a Thai state-owned oil company to assemble EV batteries in Thailand.

- Stellantis announced that they are investing in startups developing new battery chemistries, including solid-state, sodium-ion, and lithium-sulfur batteries. They have secured supplies of EV raw materials through 2027 and are exploring options for more sustainable and affordable batteries. Their goal is to become a carbon net zero corporation by 2038.

- GM has shifted its strategy for its next-generation Bolt EUV, incorporating LFP battery tech and borrowing other key tech from GM's Ultium propulsion suite. The Bolt EUV is expected to be released in 2025 and GM has already set a starting price of $34,995 for its Chevy Equinox EV.

- Honda's CEO, Toshihiro Mibe, stated that if the company wants to create an affordable EV priced at $30,000, solid-state batteries could help reduce battery costs, increase range, and simplify the cooling system. Honda is targeting a 50% reduction in battery weight or a 50% boost in energy density by weight with its own solid-state battery technology. The company aims to realize an affordable EV "very late in the 2020s.

- BASF has entered into a cooperation with Stena Recycling to strengthen their battery collection network and expand their offer for battery recycling solutions to battery producers and electric vehicle manufacturers in Europe. This partnership is an important step towards a circular economy for the European electric vehicle battery market.

- Nio announced its intention to mass-produce solid-state batteries in collaboration with WeLion. These batteries are expected to significantly improve the charging duration and frequency of electric vehicles. Nio's founder, William Li, conducted a range test with an ET7 sedan equipped with WeLion's solid-state batteries, and the vehicle was able to drive for 650 miles with 3% battery remaining.

- Volkswagen has been in talks with French company Blue Solutions to develop solid-state EV batteries for passenger cars. Blue Solutions already produces solid-state batteries for Daimler electric buses and recently signed a development deal with BMW.

- Tesla had a successful year in 2023 with milestones in their energy storage business. Deployments increased by 125% compared to the previous year, and revenues from the energy storage business increased by more than 50%. Tesla's CFO also mentioned that the energy storage business is expected to surpass the auto business in terms of growth rate in 2024.

- Enovix has announced a collaboration with Group14 Technologies to develop a silicon battery using Group14's silicon-carbon composite SCC55? for 100% of the anode material within Enovix's battery architecture. They will also explore ways to advance the performance and efficiency of lithium-ion silicon batteries.

- Gotion, a leading Chinese battery manufacturer, announced a breakthrough in battery technology. They unveiled a new solid-state battery that promises to significantly improve energy density and safety in electric vehicles.

In your opinion, what are the most important news?

AI Battery Assistant's answer:

The most important news that happened in the world of batteries is Microsoft's battery breakthroughs with AI. This breakthrough has the potential to make batteries more efficient and environmentally friendly. Additionally, there are legislative efforts in both the EU and the USA to promote sustainable growth in the battery industry, including measures to increase recycling, supply chain transparency, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The rise of batteries is also leading to a domino effect that puts half of global fossil fuel demand at risk, as battery demand continues to grow exponentially and enable the phaseout of fossil fuels.

Disclaimer:

All the news presented in this report are provided without any alterations, edits, or fact-checking, directly generated by the AI, with the intention of informing the public about the capabilities and limitations of these tools.

This report is not affiliated with or sponsored by any company or organization mentioned within.

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