Dear battery enthusiast,
Welcome to Battery Associates’ April Newsletter. We have summarised some of the month’s most relevant battery news, highlighting technology and research development, and updates from Battery Associates.
Battery Newsletter structure:
Battery Industry Highlights
B.A Editorial
Company Member News
Battery Insiders Podcast
B.A Updates & Events
Battery Industry Highlights
In this section, we have summarised relevant battery news from the past month.
On April 25, Toyota announced an additional investment of US $1.4 billion in its Indiana EV manufacturing facility. With this investment, Toyota plans to establish a battery pack assembly line for its all-new BEV assembly facility in Indiana, with the lithium cells supplied by Toyota Battery Manufacturing North Carolina. With this additional investment, Toyota has now invested US $8 billion in the Indiana facility.
B.A Commentary: Since 2021, Toyota has announced new investments of approximately US $18.6 billion in its U.S. manufacturing operations to bolster its electrification initiatives. This move aims to advance Toyota's portfolio approach to electrification, particularly by increasing BEV production in the U.S.
On April 25, Honda announced its plans to invest CA $15 billion to establish a comprehensive EV supply chain hub in Canada. As part of this initiative, Honda is evaluating the feasibility of constructing a Honda Electric Vehicle (EV) plant, as well as a standalone 36 GWh battery manufacturing plant in Alliston, Ontario. Additionally, Honda intends to propose the establishment of a Cathode Active Material and Precursor (CAM/pCAM) processing plant through a joint venture partnership with POSCO Future M Co., Ltd. Furthermore, it plans to set up a Separator manufacturing plant through a joint venture partnership with Asahi Kasei Corporation, with future announcements expected in their respective Ontario communities. Honda anticipates that electric vehicle production will commence in 2028.
B.A Commentary: The new Honda EV hub, at full production capacity, is expected to manufacture 240,000 EVs per year. In addition to its own investments in the EV plant and battery manufacturing facility in Alliston, Ontario, Honda has commenced negotiations with its joint venture partners to finalize the financing for its other proposed facilities. Honda and its joint venture partners are set to receive incentives worth CA $2.5 billion from the federal government under the EV Supply Chain Investment Tax Credit and the Clean Technology Manufacturing Investment Tax Credit. In addition to the federal incentives, the Ontario provincial government has also pledged CA $2.5 billion through various direct and indirect incentives. So, in total, Honda’s EV hub in Ontario has secured an incentive worth CA $5 billion.
On April 25, CATL announced their Shenxing PLUS battery pack solution, powered by LFP batteries with a 4C fast charging capacity. CATL claims to have surpassed the 200 Wh/kg mark, achieving 205 Wh/kg for the first time in LFP cells. The combination of these LFP cells with CATL's module-free CTP 3.0 technology enhances packing efficiency by 7%, paving the way for a 1,000 km range battery pack powered by LFP chemistry.
B.A Commentary: CATL claims that they have achieved this high energy density in LFP by optimising its cathode material with “granular gradation” technology. Additionally, they have added a “proprietary 3D honeycomb-shaped material” to the anode to increase the energy density while effectively controlling volume expansion during charge and discharge cycles. With its current 4C fast charging capabilities, CATL claims that the Shenxing PLUS battery pack can offer a 600 km range with just 10 minutes of charging time.
On April 25, Morrow Batteries announced the signing of a 5.5 GWh LFP off-take agreement with Nordic Batteries. With Morrow Batteries supplying the LFP cells, Nordic Batteries will develop battery models and packs for various applications. Both partners are also exploring options to jointly develop & produce battery modules. Nordic Batteries is set to install its pilot line in Q2 2024, marking the first step towards an automated 1GWh battery assembly line in Norway.
B.A Commentary: Morrow Batteries announced that they already produced several thousand cells and sent their LFP sample cells for customer validation. With this off-take agreement, Morrow Batteries made its first sale of the LFP batteries. Morrow Batteries plans to commence commercial mass production of LFP cells at its first gigafactory in Arendal, Norway, in the third quarter of 2024.
On April 25, the Netherlands announced €100 million in subsidies for the development and integration of battery storage with solar PV projects, covering a capacity range of 160-330 MW by 2025. The €100 million subsidy announcement is a component of the larger €416 million package unveiled last year (2023). This scheme is slated to commence on January 1, 2025. .
B.A Commentary: The Netherlands government has announced the reservation of €200 million in subsidies for the year 2026. These subsidies are designated for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) which are required to be always coupled with PV installations. Additionally, the government plans to provide incentives for the energy discharged into the electricity market at peak times from the BESS. Initial estimates suggest the incentive will range from €0.14 to €0.29 per kWh of discharged energy.
On April 30, Ecobat and Nissan signed a strategic pilot agreement to manage the end-of-life of Nissan LEAF batteries that are no longer in use. Under this agreement, vehicles within the UK salvage network will be located and then safely recovered, repaired, recycled, or repurposed. Batteries deemed to have good remaining life will be evaluated and repurposed for applications such as Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) for emergency power backup and power balancing, as well as for mobile power charging systems. Batteries that do not pass the test will be prepared for recycling.
B.A Commentary: Since the launch of the all-electric LEAF in 2011, Nissan has sold 80,000 electric vehicles in the UK, with the majority originating from the Sunderland-based vehicle and battery manufacturing facilities. Now, Nissan is taking this step to establish a sustainable circular economy model for its electric vehicles in the UK.
B.A Exclusive summary
Panasonic Energy's efforts to accelerate R&D and decarbonization efforts with North American partners
Panasonic plans to increase sales numbers overall and diversify portfolios within the Industrial and Consumer business segments. Simultaneously, in fiscal year 2031, Panasonic aims to reduce its CO2 emissions by 50% compared to fiscal year 2022 levels. To achieve these goals, Panasonic is accelerating its R&D and commercialization efforts. The previously announced 2024 commercialization goal for mass production of 4680 battery cells has been revised, with plans to commence production by the first half of fiscal year 2025.
In December 2023, Panasonic Energy purchased nano-composite silicon anode material for EV lithium-ion batteries from Sila Nanotechnologies as part of its R&D efforts to explore alternative technologies for increasing cell energy density.
In February 2024, Panasonic signed a binding off-take agreement with NOVONIX to procure synthetic graphite anode material for EV battery production. In line with its sustainability targets, Panasonic is investigating using NOVONIX synthetic graphite material as a substitute for existing natural graphite material, given its lower CO2 emissions.
In fiscal year 2023, Panasonic Energy reported net sales of approximately 971.8 billion yen (US $6.31 billion). Within this, the Vehicle battery segment accounted for 654.1 billion yen (US $4.25 billion), while the Industrial and Consumer business contributed 310.7 billion yen (US $2.01 billion). Panasonic Energy views the Vehicle segment as the sales driver, and the Industrial and Consumer business as the profitability driver.
Panasonic Energy is collaborating with various stakeholders in the battery value chain to achieve both technological advancements and sustainability targets. These efforts represent notable steps taken by Panasonic Energy in recent times.
EU Battery Regulation Services
Visit our updated EU Battery Regulation Briefings website (batteryregulation.eu).You are able to request an expert call and also access our AI-powered tool to understand the passed EU Battery Regulation. For any additional questions, please do not hesitate to reach out via info@batteryregulation.eu.
Company Member News
Join our company member, Engineering Industries eXcellence, for a groundbreaking Lunch & Learn webinar on May 16th to discover the transformative power of the EU Battery Passport Directive - an initiative that serves as a cornerstone within the EU Circular Economy Action Plan and EU Green Deal. Their team will unveil key insights covering requirements and #sustainability practices for the entire #battery lifecycle. Don't miss this opportunity to charge toward a greener future!
Europe Registration Link (CEST): here
Americas Registration Link (CST): here.
Battery Insiders Podcast
Battery Associates runs a monthly podcast called Battery Insiders, which covers the role of batteries for sustainable development and battery-relevant topics featuring a range of battery experts and enthusiasts. Our podcast also includes the recordings of the Battery Revolution Clubhouse sessions co-hosted live by Simon Engelke and Mariam Awara. Battery Insiders is hosted by Bhavya Jha and Dr. Simon Engelke.
Talk on: Closing the Loop: Repurposed EV Batteries in Mobile On-grid ESS
Speaker: Lorenzo Bergamaschi, Co-founder & CTO of Allye
Session Summary: This podcast focuses on the repurposing of EV batteries for energy storage systems (ESS). Lorenzo Bergamaschi highlights Allye's approach to using intact EV battery packs for grid applications, avoiding the complex and costly process of dismantling and reassembling batteries. He emphasises the importance of safety, the innovative testing and grading system developed with their EV recycler partners, and the economic and environmental benefits of repurposing batteries over recycling. His discussion with Dr. Simon Engelke & Mariam Awara also touches on navigating the challenges and strategies related to logistics, insurance, and regulatory compliance, particularly with the upcoming battery passport in the EU. Click on the image below to listen to the full conversation.
Talk on: Hydrovolt's Sustainable Battery Recycling Approach
Speaker: Andreas Frydensvang, Chief Commercial Officer at Hydrovolt
Session Summary: This episode highlights HydroVolt's approach to battery recycling and focuses on its innovative approach to battery recycling, emphasizing efficiency, sustainability, and collaboration across the industry. Andreas Frydensvang stresses the importance of collaboration and open dialogue across the value chain to improve recycling practices to handle different battery chemistries like LFP, and the goal of establishing a complete battery value chain in Europe. Click on the image below to listen to the full conversation.
Battery Associates Updates & Events
FT Live Future of the Car
7 - 9 May 2024
10th Anniversary Edition
In-Person & Digital | London
The FT Future of the Car Summit returns for its tenth anniversary edition this Spring. Held over three days, the event convenes the most influential players in the automotive sector for newsworthy keynote interviews, lively debates and ample networking opportunities.
Hear from executives from the biggest car companies, CEOs from Peugeot, Nissan, Rivian, SEAT & CUPRA, Bentley Motors, Hyundai, Volkswagen, Mazda and more and connect with investors, tech creators and OEM leaders seeking new partners for future vehicle development.
Key themes will include transitioning to electric and future battery tech, sustainability and alternative fuels and future mobility and evolving supply chains.
Automotive Europe 2024
22 - 23 May 2024
In-Person | Munich
Automotive Europe 2024 is Reuters Events’ European flagship event that unites CEOs and board members from leading OEMs to take to the stage where they will set the European automotive agenda for years to come. Whether it be enforced by policy implementation or the demands of the consumer, change is inevitable. Therefore, collaboration is necessary to optimise our transition towards an era of automotive that we have never seen before.
Take the opportunity to network and share solutions with 400+ thought leaders and innovators across the globe including C-Suite leaders from Polestar, NIO, VW, Opel, Hyundai, and many more across two days to plan this decade of transformation. Register here.
CLNB 2024 - China International New Energy Industry Expo
29 - 31 May 2024
In-Person | China
CLNB 2024 (9th) China International New Energy Industry Expo is Asia's leading new energy industry Expo, tradeshow and B2B platform for sourcing, branding, networking and technical exchange. We bring together the entire new energy industry chain, covering industry development, technological innovation, energy storage applications, including critical minerals, battery materials, battery manufacturing, battery application, energy storage, sodium batteries, hydrogen energy and EV. Register here.
The Battery Show EU
18 - 20 June 2024
In-Person | Stuttgart
Get ready to meet 930+ industry leading suppliers at The Battery Show Europe and Electric & Hybrid Vehicle Technology Expo Europe, the largest European tradeshow and conference focused on the latest advanced battery and H/EV technology developments.
Join 19,000+ fellow engineers, executives, thought leaders, professionals and decision-makers at the Messe Stuttgart, Germany on 18-20th June, 2024 for three electrifying days, filled with opportunities to source the latest technologies, develop your industry knowledge of key topics and network with like-minded peers.
Register here and get an exclusive 20% discount using code FTR20
BatteryMBA May Cohort
We had an excellent BatteryMBA alumni meetup in San Francisco. It was a pleasure to meet everyone in person!
BatteryMBA’s next cohort starts in September, which will offer a combination of in-depth technical and business knowledge on a range of battery topics aligned with the sector's dynamic growth. BatteryMBA alumni have affiliations with Tesla, Farasis Energy, JLR, Airbus, Hitachi High-Tech Europe, Schlumberger, Bertrandt Group, AMTE Power, the University of Birmingham, the European Parliament, and many others.
The course consists of an exciting battery case study track (with case studies from leading business schools). If you have any queries, reach out to us via email at info@battery.mba. Need-based scholarships and group discounts are available.
Battery Day 2024
Battery Day 2024 will take place on Thursday, September 26, 2024, featuring panels, deep dive sessions, keynotes, and networking breaks to facilitate up-to-date knowledge of different battery technologies, future chemistries, applications, and market insights from leading battery experts. If you are interested in being involved in the event, please contact info@battery.associates.
Battery Associates services
Battery Associates offers consultancy, innovation, and education services on a wide range of topics. Please get in touch if you're interested in any of our services!
About Battery Associates
Battery Associates (B.A) is a community-driven company on a mission to accelerate sustainable battery innovation - join us!
B.A operates as a global network that unites battery experts (BatteryPRO), a platform for innovative projects (BatteryLAB), and a facilitator of training programmes for aspiring battery leaders (BatteryEDU). B.A's educational programmes notably includes BatteryMBA, a 12-week programme training aspiring battery leaders.
We are rapidly becoming a reference community for battery enthusiasts who want to tackle pressing environmental and energy-related challenges. Battery Associates currently unites battery experts working across the battery value supply chain, based in over 20 countries. We're growing, join us in our work!
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