Energy Storage

Second-life EV battery assessments can be carried out using diagnostic tools and software, with some newer approaches taking just ten minutes instead of a few hours with regular cycling methods. Second-life battery repurposing and accurate battery health assessments will become increasingly important alongside the growing availability of end-of-life (EOL) EV batteries.

Solid-state batteries (SSBs) are heralded as a transformative innovation in energy storage (ES), offering numerous advantages over traditional lithium-ion batteries. These benefits position SSBs as a cornerstone of the next generation of battery technologies, with the potential to reshape industries reliant on ES.

The global market for Li-ion battery cells alone is forecast to exceed US$400 billion by 2035. This article highlights the importance of cathode materials and next-generation Li-ion technologies in improving battery performance and diversifying Li-ion battery material supply chains.

Thursday 17 April 2025; Self-Healing Materials: Commercial Success or Academic Novelty? An introduction to self-healing materials and mechanisms; Materials science considerations for self-healing materials; Assessment of the applications driving self-healing materials R&D and the likelihood of commercial success

In the first of this new series, IDTechEx Senior Technology Analyst Shazan Siddiqi caught up with Darren Tan, CEO of UNIGRID Battery, at Cambridge EnerTech's International Battery Seminar 2025 in Orlando, to discuss the evolving battery landscape.

As demand continues to grow and supply risks swell, a market for critical material recovery technology that enables recycling from end-of-life products and waste is rapidly emerging.

Wednesday 9 April 2025 - Driving E-Mobility Forward: How EVs Are Shining a Spotlight on Aerogels; An introduction to aerogels; Factors and regulations driving the increased focus on fire safety in EVs; Comparison of aerogel material types as EV fire protection materials and comparison with other fire protection materials; Market status and outlook for future market share of aerogels in EV applications

Sodium-ion batteries share similar electrochemical principles with lithium-ion but differ in cathodes, anodes, and electrolytes, with ongoing development in cost-effective sodium-based alternatives. While sodium-ion technology faces challenges in achieving cost-competitiveness with lithium-ion, advancements in engineering and material innovation could enable it to serve as a complementary solution in specific applications.

Solid-state batteries are emerging as a promising solution for advanced energy storage, offering a unique balance of performance characteristics that make them suitable for a wide range of applications. However, their widespread adoption will depend on overcoming challenges such as scalability, cost reduction, and addressing interfacial issues between the solid electrolyte and electrodes.

Automotive and battery OEMs are responsible for collecting retired batteries, which is where the second-life battery value chain begins. Recycling processes may see critical raw materials such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel reclaimed by OEMs. However, the already somewhat established relationship between recyclers and manufacturers may prove tricky for repurposing companies to interrupt.