Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd. (CATL), the world's largest battery-maker, and Sinopec Group, one of the largest energy companies in mainland China, have formalized a partnership aimed at developing an electric vehicle battery-swap infrastructure across the region. The two companies finalized a cooperation framework agreement, which was signed in Beijing, marking a significant move to deepen the strategic partnership between the battery manufacturer and the fossil fuel giant. Th...

LG Energy Solution (LGES) has announced that its US subsidiary will purchase the assets of its electric vehicle battery joint venture with General Motors (GM) in Michigan, US, for $2 billion. This deal, expected to close on May 31, may undergo adjustments in value following due diligence, according to an announcement made by the EV battery manufacturer. The move comes as GM has been reconsidering its EV strategy, influenced by uncertainties concerning EV battery production's future and consum...

India is reportedly planning to reduce import tariffs on electric vehicles, overriding local automakers' requests to postpone such reductions until 2029. This decision is part of an effort to finalize a trade deal with the US, despite concerns from Indian car manufacturers that immediate cuts will undermine their investments. The cut in EV tariffs aims to boost international companies such as Tesla while potentially setting back domestic manufacturers such as Tata Motors and Mahindra & Ma...

EcoPro Materials, a precursor production subsidiary of EcoPro Group, has made a significant move into the nickel smelting sector by securing a 400 billion won (about $271 million) investment aimed at expanding its operations into Indonesia. The company recently raised 389 billion won through a third-party allotment capital increase, with a major portion of this funding dedicated to acquiring a 28% stake in the Indonesian nickel smelting company PT. Green Eco Nickel, as well as for operational ex...

Thousands of Ford Kuga plug-in hybrid car owners have been affected by an urgent recall due to a battery defect that poses a risk of short-circuiting, potentially leading to loss of power or fire while the car is on the road. Ford issued the recall in early March, instructing owners not to charge the battery and advising them of the risk. Despite the severity of the issue, the manufacturer has not provided a timeline for repairs, leaving owners, estimated at about 26,000 across Europe, seeking u...

On March 5, the European Commission rolled out an ‘Industrial Action Plan’ to define a framework that can help ramp up Europe’s research and development (R&D) and industrial capacities amid global transition to zero emission vehicles (ZEVs). The Action Plan focuses on key technology areas such as battery and battery material supply chain, autonomous and connected car tech, software and hardware, charging infrastructure among several others. The Action Plan aims to further build on t...

EVident Battery, based in Massachusetts, US, announced the successful closure of a $3.2 million seed funding round to enhance the development of innovative battery inspection technology. This round of funding was led by Ibex Investors with contributions from Nationwide Ventures, Automotive Ventures, Avesta Fund and several notable angels in the electric vehicle space. This financial boost aims to support EVident Battery's mission to develop advanced solutions for assessing the health of EV ba...

Canada-based Lithium Americas Corp. announced the successful closure of a $250 million investment from Orion Resource Partners LP for the phase one development and construction of the Thacker Pass lithium project located in Humboldt County, Nevada. This investment complements a strategic partnership with General Motors Holdings LLC (GM), with whom Lithium Americas has jointly decided to proceed with the Final Investment Decision (FID) for phase one of the Thacker Pass project. Lithium America...

Replus, a local battery supplier in India owned by LNJ Bhilwara Group, plans to expand its current production capacity from 1GWh to 6GWh by the next year, according to a news report published by Autocar Professional on March 31. The report cited an official announcement by the Pune-based company Monday. Replus’ capacity expansion plan involves incorporating automation, artificial intelligence, and data-driven manufacturing processes. The report mentioned that the company plans to adopt a...

Shanghai-based electric carmaker Nio has signed an agreement with a new partner to expand its battery swap network in mainland China. According to a news report published by CnEVPost on April 1, Nio Power, a subsidiary of Nio, has signed a cooperation agreement with Hunan Oriental Intelligence, a subsidiary of the Changsha Economic and Technological Development Group, to build 100 battery swap stations in Changsha, Hunan province in mainland China. This is the second such deal in the past few...

South Korean battery maker Samsung SDI has launched production of its 46-series cylindrical batteries, specifically targeting applications in micro mobility and ongoing expansion into the electric-vehicle  sector. The 46-series, which are larger-size cylindrical batteries with a diameter of 46 millimeters, mark a significant addition to Samsung SDI's product portfolio, setting the company on a path toward market leadership in this niche. As the first Korean battery maker to begin supplyi...

Sion Power, a company specializing in lithium-metal battery technology, announced the installation of a new large-format battery cell production line, developed in partnership with Mühlbauer Group. This move is aimed at commercializing Sion Power's Licerion battery technology, which is expected to address key barriers to mass EV adoption such as range, cost and charge time. By doubling energy density and cutting down on both cell material costs and cell count, Licerion batteries could signif...

Four Indian state firms, led by government-backed Khanij Bidesh India Ltd. (KABIL), are negotiating with Chilean mining company SQM to purchase a 20% share in two of SQM's lithium projects located in Australia for $600 million. This move is part of India's strategic effort to secure lithium supplies, vital for electric vehicle battery production, as the country seeks to minimize carbon emissions. The consortium includes Coal India, Oil India and ONGC Videsh, focusing on SQM's Mount Holland and A...

Stellantis has ended the vehicle production operations at Vauxhall's Luton plant in the UK, according to a news report published by BBC on March 28. The production activities have come to an end after 120 years of Vauxhall's operations in the town. Citing Stellantis, the news report mentioned that the parent company had announced earlier in November that the van manufacturing facility will be closed, with operations being planned to move to another facility in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, UK. ...

Japanese battery maker Panasonic Energy Company Ltd. has launched a recycling initiative for nickel used in the lithium-ion battery cathode materials in collaboration with Sumitomo Metal Mining Co., Ltd., a leading Japanese non-ferrous metal smelting and refining and cathode material manufacturer, Panasonic announced on March 31. The partnership between Panasonic and Sumitomo Metal Mining marks the first closed-loop recycling initiative, where end-of-life products can be reprocessed into raw ...

Autoneum has developed an innovative E-Fiber flame shield that can provide flame protection and electrical insulation inside the battery housing, helping prevent risk of thermal runaways and EV fire incidents, the company announced on March 31. It is known that risk of fire in batteries remains one of the key concerns for potential consumers who consider adopting EVs globally. According to Autoneum, the innovative E-Fiber flame shield can withstand extreme temperatures, pressure and abrasi...

O9 Solutions, a company that has developed an AI software platform that is used for planning and decision-making, has entered into a software-as-a-service or SaaS agreement with Japan’s largest vehicle manufacturer Toyota Motor Corporation, o9 Solutions announced on March 31. As part of the agreement, Toyota will deploy o9’s advanced supply chain management platform, which is expected to help the vehicle manufacturer in optimizing its supply chain operations and drive greater efficiency i...

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LG Energy Solution (LGES) has assumed full ownership and control of the $2.5 billion electric vehicle (EV) battery plant located in Lansing and Delta Township, Michigan, following the acquisition of General Motors's interest in the project. This transition was facilitated by the Michigan Strategic Fund Board, which approved amendments transferring a $120 million performance-based grant originally designated for Ultium Cells LLC to LGES. Ultium Cells was a joint venture between GM and LGES. Wi...

BMW has launched the assembly operations of its Neue Klasse models at its car manufacturing plant in Debrecen, Hungary, the German carmaker announced March 27. BMW said that its innovative Neue Klasse vehicle architecture opens new possibilities including a modular and scalable platform leading to greater efficiency, fewer connecting components and a simplified installation of the wiring harness. The new architecture also houses an innovative cockpit assembly, which contributes to acceleratin...

Accelera, the zero-emissions business segment of Cummins Inc., in partnership with Isuzu Motors Ltd., is set to unveil a new battery-electric powertrain for the Isuzu F-series medium-duty truck at the ACT Expo in Anaheim, California. This collaboration aims to launch the fully integrated powertrain in 2027, incorporating Accelera's advanced battery, eAxle, accessories and controls. Accelera's partnership with Isuzu focuses on delivering an optimized solution featuring advanced lithium iron ph...

Toyota has decided to delay the construction of a lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery plant for electric vehicles in Fukuoka prefecture, southern Japan, according to a report by The Asahi Shimbun. The postponement arises amid concerns over slower EV demand in some of the company's key markets. This decision reflects Toyota's cautious approach toward its next-generation EV releases, aiming to ensure quality and address issues brought by new technology. Additionally, a significant factor in reeva...

Nio has formed a strategic partnership with the Beijing-based state-owned enterprise, Future Science City Group, to construct 100 battery-swap stations. This collaboration aims at creating a green energy battery-swap network, with the initial focus on the Changping district in Beijing. This partnership marks Nio's second alliance with a state-owned entity for such an initiative, signaling the electric-vehicle maker's commitment to expanding its battery-swap station infrastructure. ...

Webasto, a leading automotive supplier, has entered into a partnership with Aachen, Germany-based recycling scale-up Cylib to tackle the challenge of recycling used batteries, a growing concern due to the electrification of the automotive industry. This collaboration aims at transforming used batteries and production waste from battery production at Webasto's European sites into urgently needed raw materials, including lithium and graphite. Since 2019, Webasto has been involved in the product...

Call2Recycle, recognized as Canada's principal battery collection and recycling organization, has partnered with RLG, a leading provider of circular solutions, to launch a new safety initiative for battery collection called the lithium-ion safety (LiSa) box. This collaboration aims to enhance the safety measures in place for recycling lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries, addressing the increasing demand for secure recycling options as the usage of battery-powered devices grows. The LiSa box, a pro...

Mercedes-Benz has launched a new variant of eVito panel van with a 90-kWh battery capacity alongside the existing 60-kWh version to cater to a broader range of commercial uses. This enhancement offers up to 480 km of range per charge on the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) and is paired with two electric motor options — 85 kW or a more powerful 150 kW, which is known from the eVito Tourer. The higher capacity battery and stronger motor option aim to provide more mil...

Coulomb Solutions Inc. (CSI), based in Livermore, California, announced the launch of its next-generation Super Long Life (SLL) commercial vehicle battery systems, featuring an unprecedented 900,000-mile, 15-year warranty. Developed by CATL, these battery systems are tailored for a range of commercial vehicle applications including transit buses, school buses, last-mile delivery vehicles and locomotives. As CATL's authorized service provider in North America, CSI is set to start delivering th...

In a press release dated March 25, Kobe Steel announced that it invested in Lasagna.one Inc. (LO), a startup based in San Jose, California, focusing on the development of all-solid-state batteries, which represent the next generation of battery technology. LO's innovations in all-solid-state batteries, including its ability to create high-voltage battery cells that offer fast charging and stable operation across a broad temperature spectrum, have placed it in the spotlight. In 2023, LO achiev...

Nouveau Monde Graphite Inc. (NMG) has released an updated feasibility study for its phase two integrated operations, which includes the Matawinie Mine and the Bécancour Battery Material Plant within a 150-km radius of Montréal, Québec. This study reflects technological advancements, engineering progress, project optimizations and updated economic factors, establishing a refined integrated production model for natural graphite and active anode material. Notably, the study indicates an after...

The European Commission has selected a list of 47 Strategic Projects aimed at enhancing the domestic capabilities for strategic raw materials within the EU, marking a significant step in the implementation of the Critical Raw Material Act (CRMA). This initiative is designed to meet specific demand targets for the extraction, processing and recycling of strategic raw materials by 2030, which are essential for the EU's green and digital transitions as well as its defense and aerospace industries. ...

The advent of electric vehicles has kept the demand for lithium-ion batteries growing for over the last decade. The battery supply chain industry, including cell manufacturing and battery materials, have witnessed huge investments leading to significant capacity buildup across several regions globally. However, the recent slowdown in EV demand has placed the supply chain in a tough spot as capacity addition resulted in an oversupply situation, which reduced the cost of all key battery materia...

Mainland China's Xiaomi Corp. announced it successfully raised $5.5 billion through an upsized share sale, signaling a significant push toward its electric vehicle manufacturing ambitions. The sale involved 800 million shares priced at HK$53.25 each, an increase from the initially planned 750 million shares due to heightened interest during the bookbuilding process. This pricing was on the lower end of the anticipated range, reflecting a 6.6% discount on Xiaomi's closing stock price prior to ...

A research team led by Professor Hyun-Wook Lee at the School of Energy and Chemical Engineering at Ulsan National Institute of Science & Technology (UNIST) has made a significant advancement in battery technology by addressing the issue of oxygen generation in a novel cathode material known as quasi-lithium. The team has proposed a material design principle that not only mitigates the risk of explosions but could also enable electric vehicles to travel up to 1,000 km on a single charge. Q...

U Power Ltd., a global leader in rapid battery-swapping technology for electric vehicles, has announced a joint venture agreement with Susco Public Co. Ltd., a prominent energy provider in Thailand. This partnership, through U Power's subsidiary U Swap and leveraging Susco's network of fueling stations across Thailand, aims to deploy U Power's UOTTA battery-swapping technology nationwide. The initiative is set to significantly advance sustainable transportation in Thailand and aligns with the co...

Tata AutoComp Systems has announced it will acquire International Automotive Components Group Sweden AB (IAC Sweden), in a bid to strengthen its presence in Europe's automotive sector. The company, however, did not disclose any financial details. IAC Sweden has a turnover of approximately $800 million and is a well-established manufacturer of interior systems and components to the automotive industry. The transaction is subject to European regulatory approvals, according to Tata AutoComp. "This ...

Japan’s largest carmaker Toyota Motor Corp. plans to establish its first research and development center in India under its locally operating subsidiary, according to a report published by Autocar Professional on March 21. The news report cited Bloomberg as the original source of this story. It said that the planned India R&D center will be Toyota's third R&D location in the Asia-Pacific region, outside Japan. The carmaker has already made R&D investments in Thailand and Grea...

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Eaton, a leading intelligent power management company, has announced its groundbreaking 3-in-1 battery vent valve, marking a significant advancement in electric vehicle battery safety and testing. This innovative product is the first to comply with the new SAE J3277 standard, which focuses on non-destructive water intrusion testing for Rechargeable Energy Storage Systems (RESS) utilized in EVs. The valve integrates three crucial features: Passive and active venting, a leak-check mechanism for th...

During its 55th shareholders' meeting, Samsung SDI announced plans to complete the development of its next-generation prismatic battery, known as P7, within the year. The company also revealed that the launch of its 46-series cylindrical batteries would commence in the first quarter as a move to bolster its market competitiveness. Additionally, Samsung SDI is set to enhance its technological leadership through investments in new products, including the all solid-state battery, 46-series and...

Ennovi, a company specializing in mobility electrification solutions, announced the introduction of a groundbreaking adhesive-free lamination technology designed to improve the assembly of cell contacting systems (CCS) for various battery cell configurations, such as prismatic, cylindrical and pouch. This technology showcases a patent-pending process that stands out by eliminating the need for adhesives in bonding insulation material foils and current collectors within the CCS. The method not...

The Chair of Production Engineering of E-Mobility Components (PEM) of RWTH Aachen University has successfully completed the IDEEL project with numerous partners from science and industry after three years of research, the university said in a press note on March 19. IDEEL stands for implementation of laser drying processes for economical and ecological lithium-ion battery production. The IDEEL project involved PEM as well as the Fraunhofer Research Institution for Battery Cell Production FFB,...

Finnish Minerals Group and Beijing Easpring Material Technology announced the commencement of construction work for their joint cathode active material (CAM) plant in Kotka, Finland, Finnish Minerals Group said in a press note on March 20. “The construction will start in the spring of 2025, and the goal is to launch commercial production in 2027,” the company said in a statement. The plant, which is aimed at producing CAM for the local manufacture of lithium-ion batteries in Europ...

Ample is set to expand its battery-swapping stations network into Tokyo, building on its previous demonstration in Kyoto, with a focus on accelerating commercial fleet electrification. This initiative has received support from the Tokyo Metropolitan Environmental Public Corp. and will see cooperation from Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC) and Mitsubishi Motors Corp. (MMC) to deploy battery-swapping electric vehicles. Primarily targeting the logistics sector, this move aligns w...

SK On and Nissan have entered into a significant battery supply agreement, marking a strategic collaboration between the South Korea battery giant and the Japanese automaker. As part of this partnership, SK On is set to provide Nissan with nearly 100 GWh of high-performance, high-nickel batteries manufactured in the US from 2028 to 2033. These batteries will be instrumental in powering Nissan's next-generation electric vehicles to be produced at its Canton, Mississippi, assembly plant, emphas...

A disastrous spill of waste containing concentrated acid, dissolved solids and heavy metals from the Chambishi copper mine in Zambia, owned by the mainland Chinese company Sino-Metals Leach Zambia, has caused significant environmental concerns. The spill, which involved approximately 50 million liters of toxic material, occurred Feb. 18 after the mine's tailings dam collapsed. The China Nonferrous Metals Industry Group, a state-owned enterprise, holds the majority ownership of the mine. ...

Vianode, a Norway-based advanced battery materials company, has launched its first high-performance solution based on recycled graphite as part of its next-generation material series, the company announced March 18. The innovative product is based on recycled battery-grade graphite and is designed to meet growing demand for sustainable electric vehicle and battery manufacturing, it said. According to Vianode, recycled graphite can enable North American and European battery and EV manufactu...

Nissan and Stena Recycling have forged a strategic partnership aimed at advancing the reuse of second-life electric vehicle batteries in Norway, a country with over 80,000 Nissan LEAFs on its roads. This collaboration seeks to establish a new value chain for batteries that are deemed unsuitable for vehicular use but still hold significant value. Leveraging Stena Recycling's expertise with Nissan's EV technology, this partnership is poised to create a circular business model that enhances the ...

Presenting the Union budget for financial year 2025-26 on Feb. 1, India’s Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the removal of the basic customs duty (BCD) on the import of various battery materials. This includes cobalt powder, lithium-ion battery scrap, lead, zinc and 12 other essential materials. The budget also proposed to add 35 capital goods and equipment used in manufacturing batteries for electric vehicles to the list of exempted capital goods. The move is expected to not...

In a press release dated March 18, CATL announced that it has entered into a strategic partnership with Nio, with the ambitious goal of constructing the largest battery-swapping network worldwide and fostering the standardization of technologies within the new-energy vehicle industry. This initiative aims to propel the industry into a new phase of high-quality development by fully utilizing the strengths of both companies in technical, managerial, platform and brand aspects. The collaboration...

Coreshell, a California-based battery technology company, has successfully secured $24 million in strategic funding to enhance the production of its innovative 60-ampere-hour (Ah) battery cells, which uniquely utilize 100% domestically-sourced metallurgical silicon (MG-Si). This financial boost was led by its strategic partner Ferroglobe PLC, a recognized leader in silicon and ferroalloys production, along with Zeon Ventures. The funding round also saw contributions from a mix of financial an...

Ecopro Innovation and Hydro-Québec have formalized a collaboration agreement for the development of advanced lithium metal anode technologies, intending to enhance lithium battery technology by 2026. The partnership, announced during a ceremony at the InterContinental Hotel in Seoul, South Korea, outlines a plan for joint research and the establishment of pilot facilities for lithium metal anode production for secondary batteries by the following year, with a vision to set up semiproduction pil...

Announcing its revised electrification strategy on March 18, Japanese carmaker Mazda Motor Corp. said that it would focus on offering multiple powertrain options, including efficient gasoline engines, fully electrified and hybrid propulsion systems, along with forging key partnerships and reducing investment requirements to enhance competitiveness in the mid-to-long term. The revised 2030 management strategy was announced on the sidelines of the Mazda Multi-Solution Briefing in Tokyo. &n...

Stellantis has partnered with Swedish startup Luvly AB to evaluate its light, electric flatpack vehicle technology, according to a news report published by Zag Daily on March 13. The report mentioned that the Stockholm-based startup, which was founded in 2015, has built an ultraefficient, ready-to-assemble electric car that can be distributed using a flat-pack shipping method. The startup has designed and developed a light urban vehicle, which is a small electric car for city use. The model �...

Altilium Metals, a UK-based battery material recycling company, has achieved a significant breakthrough on using recycled battery materials for producing electric vehicle battery cells. In an announcement on March 17, the company said that the UK's first EV battery cells were produced using recycled cathode active materials (CAM) at the UK Battery Industrialisation Centre (UKBIC) in Coventry. This development is seen as a crucial step toward establishing a circular economy for EV batteries in...

A collaborative research team from Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Samsung SDI, Northwestern University and Chung-Ang University, led by Professor Kyu-Young Park from the Institute of Ferrous & Eco Materials Technology at POSTECH, has developed a groundbreaking nano-spring coating technology that significantly enhances the lifespan and energy density of electric vehicle batteries. The innovation addresses a critical challenge in EV battery technology, where the posi...

Honda Motor has decided to procure batteries for its hybrid vehicles from Toyota Motor's plant in the US, a response to the changing geopolitical landscape influenced by President Donald Trump's tariff policies. This strategic shift is set to begin in fiscal 2025, with Honda planning to source batteries for about 400,000 vehicles, covering all the hybrid vehicles it sells in the US. The decision comes as Honda aims to mitigate the risks associated with higher tariffs on components previously ...

Toronto has decided to exclude Tesla vehicles from receiving financial incentives for electric vehicles purchased as taxis or ride shares. This decision, announced by the city's Mayor Olivia Chow, comes amid escalating trade tensions between Canada and the US. To promote the adoption of EVs as vehicles for hire, Toronto offers reductions in licensing and renewal fees, a policy that will be in effect until the end of 2029. However, starting from March 1, Tesla vehicles will no longer benefit f...

General Motors has joined Pacific Gas & Electric’s (PG&E) residential vehicle-to-everything (V2X) pilot program, providing eligible customers in Northern and Central California with incentivized pricing for qualifying GM Energy home energy products, the carmaker announced March 13. The initiative is part of GM Energy’s plan to work with utilities such as PG&E to leverage the carmaker’s bidirectional electric vehicle charging technology, which allows compatible GM EVs to supp...

The University of Michigan plans to construct a new electric vehicle (EV) battery laboratory, broadening research and hands-on education in next-generation battery technologies on the Ann Arbor campus, according to a note published by the university on March 14. The Board of Regents approved the $60 million project at its meeting on Feb. 20. The funding for this purpose will be provided from the state of Michigan contract that had established the Electric Vehicle Center in 2023. The new 25...

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CATL, a leading Chinese electric vehicle battery manufacturer, reported a 15% year-over-year increase in its net profit to 50.7 billion yuan (about $7.01 billion) for the full year of 2024. The growth is slightly below the company's projected growth of 11.1%-20.1% and marked its slowest profit growth in six years amid a fierce price war in China's EV market. This period also saw CATL experiencing its first annual revenue decline of 9.7% to 362 billion yuan since it began publishing ...

St-Georges Eco-Mining Corp. has announced a new three-year battery supply agreement through its wholly-owned subsidiary, EVSX Corp., based in Thorold, Ontario. This significant agreement with Call2Recycle Canada Inc. represents a substantial increase in volume over the 2024 alkaline agreement and expands the types of battery chemistries EVSX will now process to include almost all battery types provided by Call2Recycle. The agreement outlines a revenue model that varies based on the battery ch...

MINI Korea, a division of the BMW Group, recently showcased its all-electric lineup comprising the Cooper, Countryman and Aceman models on Yeongjong Island, Incheon, South Korea. This move reaffirms MINI's direction toward catering to the premium compact electric vehicle segment. The introduction of the Aceman, positioned between the Cooper and Countryman, marks its debut in the region, expanding MINI's EV offerings. Unlike the Cooper and Countryman, the Aceman is exclusively available a...

Volkswagen Group of America, the North American subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group, is recalling 13,769 electric vehicles (EVs) across the US, involving models from Volkswagen and Audi, owing to a potential loss of power while driving, InsideEVs reported on March 10. The recall includes the model year 2024 Volkswagen ID.4, and the 2024–25 Audi Q4 E-Tron and Audi Q4 E-Tron Sportback. This recall has been prompted by issues with the onboard 12-volt battery chargers, known as the onboard charg...

Thailand's Commission on the National Competitiveness Enhancement for Targeted Industries has approved an investment exceeding $1 billion by Sunwoda Electronic's subsidiary, Sunwoda Automotive Energy Technology (Thailand) Co. Ltd., to establish electric vehicle and energy storage system (ESS) battery-cell plants. This initiative, endorsed by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Pichai Chunhavajira, aims to bolster the country's EV supply chain and augment its manufacturing capabi...

Pure Lithium Corp., a Boston-based company specialized in lithium metal battery technology, has announced receiving funding from the US Energy Department's (DOE) Vehicle Technology Office. This financial support aims to expand the production of lithium metal anodes using recycled lithium metal, in a collaborative effort with Argonne National Laboratory. The initiative targets the utilization of lithium metal waste, generated by specific industrial activities in the US, to create a self-suffic...

In a press release dated March 14, Samsung SDI announced its decision to conduct a rights offering aimed at raising approximately 2 trillion won (about $1.38 billion) to enhance its competitive edge and support mid-to-long term growth. This strategic move is intended to fund new facility investments, including a joint venture with General Motors in the US, expanding the capacity of its battery plant in Hungary, and establishing production lines for all solid-state batteries in South Korea. ...

BYD, a leading mainland Chinese electric-vehicle maker, plans to unveil its all-new battery-electric vehicle (BEV) platform along with ultrafast-charging technology that delivers twice the charging power of Tesla’s latest Superchargers, according to a news report published by CnEVPost on March 14. Citing a company note on Weibo, the report mentioned that the company will organize a new product launch event on March 17, where it will launch the BYD Super e-Platform at its Shenzhen, main...

Hyundai Mobis announced its new vision on March 12 at Mobis Technical Center of Korea in Yongin, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea, as it aims to become a leading global player in future mobility. With the new vision — Lead the Shift in Mobility, Move the World beyond Possibilities — the South Korean supplier aims to strengthen internal cohesion with a shared sense of purpose while driving a paradigm shift in the rapidly evolving mobility market. Under its new vision, Hyundai Mobis ...

In a press release dated March 12, Solidion Technology Inc., a company recognized for its development of ultrahigh-energy-density batteries, announced a significant breakthrough in lithium-sulfur (Li-S) battery technology. The Dallas-based company achieved a cell energy density of 380 watt-hours per kilogram (Wh/kg) with ambitions to reach 450 Wh/kg. This achievement was validated by a prominent electric vehicle battery manufacturer. Li-S batteries are noted for their high theoretical en...

Shanghai plans to subsidize the installation of battery-swap stations in the city, becoming the latest local government in Greater China to provide support for the expansion of electric vehicle charging infrastructure, according to a news report published by CnEVPost on March 10. Notably, Nio, a leading electric-car maker, has its global headquarters in Shanghai. Citing a policy announcement, the report mentioned that the city authorities of Shanghai plan to subsidize the construction of c...

Lanxess has introduced a new solution to the battery industry with its Lewatit MK 51 ion exchange resin, which is designed for the selective removal of boron from battery metal concentrates. This process aids in extracting high-purity raw materials for batteries, a crucial step for producing high-quality batteries with high-energy density and longevity. Unlike traditional solvent extraction methods, which use environmentally harmful, flammable solvents, ion exchange technology offers a sustai...

Northvolt AB has announced its bankruptcy filing in Sweden on March 12, following extensive efforts to secure its financial and operational future. The company faced numerous challenges, including rising capital costs, geopolitical instability, supply chain disruptions and shifts in market demand, compounded by internal challenges in ramping up production. Despite efforts to negotiate financial restructuring and liquidity support from lenders and key counterparts, Northvolt was unable to achi...

Researchers at Rice University's Elimelech lab have introduced a groundbreaking lithium extraction method utilizing solid-state electrolyte (SSE) membranes, promising a more sustainable and efficient approach to meeting the surging global demand for lithium, essential for electric vehicle batteries. Published in Science Advances, the study showcases near-perfect lithium selectivity in aqueous extraction using SSEs, initially designed for solid-state batteries. This method significantly contra...

Geely Auto, one of the largest Chinese automakers, has forayed into Australia and New Zealand markets with the launch of its all-electric sport utility vehicle EX5 in the region, according to a news report published by CnEVPost on March 12. The Geely EX5 was launched at an event at Sydney's Luna Park on March 11. The carmaker also launched its international brand — Geely Go — on the sidelines of the event. Citing Jerry Gan, CEO of Geely Auto Group, the report mentioned that the ca...

Changan Automobile, a leading automaker in mainland China, plans to put all-solid-state batteries on its prototype vehicles by the end of 2025, as the company races to launch the next-generation battery technology in the market, according to a news report published by CnEVPost on March 12. Disclosing its plan on the sidelines of an investor conference, Changan revealed that its Jinzhongzhao all-solid-state batteries are expected to make their debut in functional prototype vehicles by the end ...

South Korean vehicle manufacturer Hyundai Motor Co. plans to build a fuel-cell plant in its home country, according to a news report published by The Korea Economic Daily on March 11. Citing the automotive and energy industries, the report mentioned that the carmaker and its labor union have agreed to build a next-generation hydrogen fuel-cell plant in the company’s existing car manufacturing complex in Ulsan, South Korea, which is located about 300 km south of the capital city Seoul. ...

LG Energy Solution and Yonsei University's joint research team have achieved significant progress in developing dry electrode manufacturing technology for electric vehicle batteries. The method promises to improve production efficiency and reduce manufacturing costs of batteries. Traditional wet electrode production, which involves creating a slurry that is coated onto metal foil and dried, is both energy- and time-consuming, and requires significant facility investments while limiting electr...

Thyssenkrupp, a German conglomerate, announced its plan to reduce its workforce by approximately 1,800 jobs due to ongoing difficulties within the automotive sector. The company attributed the decision to persistently challenging market conditions in the global automotive industry and highlighted a strategic move to freeze hiring as part of its efforts to navigate these challenges. Thyssenkrupp aims to implement these and other measures, including reducing investments, to achieve savings of m...

Ford Motor Co. announced March 10 that it will invest up to €4.4 billion into its German subsidiary, Ford-Werke GmbH, to support the transformation of its European business and increase its long-term competitiveness. The new financing includes a capital injection to reduce the debt of Ford plants and funds for a multiyear business plan aimed at supporting ongoing restructuring efforts. “This move replaces the letter of comfort issued by Ford Motor Company in 2006 and brings the support...

Chinese electric-car maker Nio is implementing a new organizational restructuring to focus more on cost control, with William Li, the company’s founder, chairman and CEO, increasing his involvement in the supply chain management, according to a news report published by CnEVPost on March 10. The CnEVPost news report cites local media 36kr as the original source of this news. It said that the electric-vehicle maker has launched an internal management mechanism called Cell Business Uni...

Chinese battery-maker Farasis Energy has unveiled a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery system that supports 6C ultrafast charging and a lithium ternary battery system that supports 5C ultrafast charging, according to a news report published by CnEVPost on March 10. It is known that 6C means the battery can be fully charged in one-sixth of an hour or in 10 minutes. The development of ultrafast-charging batteries is in line with the increasing demand for fast-charging electric vehicles w...

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada has announced a strategic collaboration with Frontier Lithium to bolster Canada's capacity in the critical minerals sector, particularly lithium, which is essential for electric vehicle batteries. This initiative aims to cement Canada's role in the international supply chain amid the anticipated doubling of global demand for critical minerals by 2040. Frontier Lithium's PAK Lithium Project in Thunder Bay, Ontario, represents the nation's fir...

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SK On has announced plans to develop an innovative AI model aimed at optimizing its electric vehicle battery production by 2028. The initiative, revealed by Kim Sang-jin, vice president and head of the new Form Factor Product Development Office, is set to significantly improve cost and operational efficiency within the company. During a presentation at the InterBattery expo conference, Kim introduced the Battery Foundation Model, an advanced AI system designed to utilize big data for gui...

The automotive industry is transforming as it faces sustainability pressures and must adapt to changing market dynamics. Recently, the focus on sustainability has intensified due to regulatory requirements, consumer demand for greener products and the urgent need to combat climate change. The S&P Global Mobility 2025 Supplier Outlook highlights the sustainability practices being adopted across the automotive supply chain. The growing pressure for sustainability Luz Mauch, executive vic...

Rio Tinto announced March 6 that the company has completed its acquisition of Arcadium Lithium PLC for $6.7 billion, following the sanctioning of the Scheme of Arrangement by the Royal Court of Jersey on March 5. Post this acquisition, Rio Tinto has become the ultimate parent company of Arcadium Lithium, which will become Rio Tinto Lithium, and will also include the Rincon lithium project. The acquisition establishes Rio Tinto as a global leader in the supply of energy transition materials...

Amprius Technologies Inc., a leading battery technology company, has shipped its new 6.3-ampere-hours (Ah) 21700 SiCore cell to a Fortune 500 company in the light electric vehicle (LEV) sector for evaluation, the company announced March 6. Without disclosing the name of the vehicle manufacturer, Amprius said that its new 6.3-Ah 21700 SiCore cell sets a new standard in the industry for energy density in this widely used format. According to Amprius, its newly developed 6.3-Ah SiCore cell of...

California Energy Commission (CEC) has rolled out another $33 million investment to encourage the adoption of zero emission vehicles and address concerns around air pollution in the region, the CEC announced on March 4. With the latest announcement of $33 million in awards, California’s Clean Mobility Options Voucher Program (CMO) has invested more than $66 million in under-resourced communities and tribes to address mobility gaps and reduce air pollution, CEC said. Notably, the CMO prog...

Germany-based mechatronics specialist Marquardt has inaugurated a new manufacturing facility in Talegaon near Pune, India, Autocar Professional reported March 5. The new facility replaces Marquardt's earlier site in Mumbai and is aimed at bolstering the company's manufacturing capabilities, particularly for the Indian automotive industry. It will produce drive authorization systems, gear selector switches and battery management systems (BMS) for electric vehicles. Marquardt has invested ...

Li-Cycle, a prominent player in lithium-ion battery resource recovery, has received approval to trade on the OTCQX Best Market. The company initiated trading under the symbol “LICYF” on Feb. 27, following the suspension of its shares on the NYSE. Ajay Kochhar, president and CEO of Li-Cycle, commented on the transition: “Moving to OTCQX is set to lower our costs while ensuring efficient access to US capital markets. We are committed to creating value for our stakeholders and advancing ou...

The automotive industry is rapidly evolving, shaped by shifting consumer preferences and economic pressures. Suppliers must be agile and proactive, swiftly responding to consumer demands while balancing production costs and profitability in a fiercely competitive market. The S&P Global Mobility 2025 Supplier Outlook emphasizes the need for suppliers to tackle these market changes head-on. Consumer behavior in flux Economic factors are key in shaping how consumers behave. In turn, these...

LG Chem Ltd. announced that it has become the first South Korean company to initiate the mass production of precursor-free cathode materials for lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, marking a significant advancement in the electric vehicle battery sector. This revelation was made at InterBattery 2025, South Korea's largest secondary battery industry exhibition, where LG Chem introduced its LG Precursor-Free cathode material. The company has stated that mass production of this innovative mater...