This Week in Batteries – Week 43

Welcome to this week’s battery roundup. The most important news surrounding battery technology and production from Europe and beyond.

Daimler Will Use LFP Cells in the Future

CEO of German automaker Daimler, Ola Källenius, stated in a recent interview that Mercedes-Benz will start using LFP (Lithium-Iron-Phosphate) battery cells for ist entry-level models starting in 2024. In this way, the company wants to profitably serve the more price-sensitive segment. However, it was not stated which company will supply Daimler with these types of cells.

The effort is part of Daimler’s electrification strategy, the company wants to become fully electric by 2030.

LFP batteries are known for being much cheaper than conventional batteries while not requiring rare elements like Cobalt and Manganese. These types of cells are mostly manufactured in China, however, recently a battery plant for LFP cells in Serbia was announced. I plan on writing an article on LFP batteries at some point in the future.

Audi is Building a New R&D and Education Center

German automaker Audi is currently constructing a battery cell research center in the south of Germany where the company will offer its employees various advanced training opportunities to expand their competencies in the field of battery cell development and electric mobility in the coming years. That way, Audi wants to develop complete high-voltage battery portfolios for fully electric vehicles.

Audi Representatives in front of the future development center. Credit: Audi AG

The previously established battery competencies are to be concentrated at the site. From 2023 onwards, the facility will also be used for testing components in the pilot laboratory. Previously, the lab has been used to test internal combustion engines.

“The decision to locate battery development in Neckarsulm is a first important step towards giving the Technical Development employees at the site a future-proof perspective even after the combustion engine is phased out.”

Rolf Klotz, Chairman of the Works Council.

BASF and SVOLT Form Partnership for Battery Materials Development

German chemical company BASF and Chinese SVOLT have recently formed a partnership. The companies plan on working together on cathode active material (CAM) development, raw materials supply, and battery recycling for SVOLT’s battery cells.

Additionally, the companies plan on establishing a sustainable value chain to path the way towards carbon neutrality.

“The strategic cooperation with BASF is an important part of SVOLT’s global supply chain. This strategic cooperation will help us to complement each other’s strengths along the battery supply chain, accelerate innovation capabilities in CAM R&D, and continuously promote portfolio innovation and core competitiveness for EV batteries.”

Yang Hongxin, Chairman and CEO of SVOLT

Previously, BASF has entered a cooperation with CATL, another Chinese key player in battery production.

This is not a complete list of news from this week but the press releases and articles I found the most interesting. Let me know if I missed anything important. I am working on another detailed article at the moment but I am always interested in ideas for further posts, so let me know what you want to read about.

You can also follow me on Twitter (@BatteryBayEU), where I post some of the news before they end up in my weekly roundup. I’m looking forward to learning about your involvement or interest in the industry and chatting about everything batteries.

Also, please feel free to use the comment section below to leave any feedback or suggestions!

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