The Weekly Potential #16
This week in the energy and materials industries: Tesla suing the EU, silicon battery gigafactories, record-breaking BESS, batteries for aerial mobility, fast charging Blade batteries, ...
Welcome to the 16th edition of The Weekly Potential, a newsletter providing you insights into the energy and materials industries. This week we are touching upon Tesla suing the EU, silicon battery gigafactories, record-breaking BESS, batteries for aerial mobility, fast charging Blade batteries, and more.
Let's dive in! đŸ”‹
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Industry Developments
Tesla has joined forces with Chinese automakers BYD, SAIC, and Geely to sue the European Union over recently imposed anti-subsidy duties on electric vehicles manufactured in China. These duties, which vary from 8% for Tesla to as high as 35% for others like SAIC, were put in place following an investigation by the European Commission into the subsidies provided by the Chinese government to its EV industry. The legal action, filed in Luxembourg, aims to annul these duties, which Tesla and its co-plaintiffs argue unfairly disadvantage their products in the European market.
Forge Battery, a company known for producing high-energy 300 Wh/kg silicon battery cells, has been selected for award negotiations to receive a $100 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy. This funding is aimed at expanding the production capacity of their lithium-ion battery gigafactory in North Carolina from 1 GWh/year to 3 GWh/year. The expansion is part of a broader initiative to increase domestic manufacturing of batteries for various applications, including electric trucks, off-highway vehicles, motorcycles, and aerospace and defense sectors, all while utilizing a predominantly U.S.-based supply chain. Forge Battery's "Gen 1.1 Supercell" has already demonstrated commercial-scale viability, with prototype shipments beginning in July 2024, and plans for commercial production set for 2026.
Saudi Arabia has connected its largest battery energy storage system (BESS) to the national grid. Located in Bisha, this system boasts an impressive capacity of 500 MW/2000 MWh, making it the world's largest operational single-phase energy storage project. The BESS is composed of 122 prefabricated storage units designed and supplied by BYD from China, each equipped with a 6 MW power conversion system and four lithium iron phosphate battery modules.
Recent reports suggest that both Samsung and Apple are turning their attention to silicon-carbon anodes for their smartphone batteries, aiming to increase capacity without enlarging the physical size of the batteries. This shift is in response to advancements made by Chinese manufacturers who have already adopted silicon-carbon technology, enabling them to offer smartphones with battery capacities exceeding 6,000 mAh. Silicon-carbon anodes promise higher energy density compared to traditional graphite anodes, potentially allowing for longer battery life or slimmer device designs. Samsung is reportedly directly involved in the development of these materials, while Apple is expected to follow suit.
Amprius today announced the launch of a new SiCoreâ„¢ cell, tailored specifically for high-performance electric mobility applications. This breakthrough cell boasts a specific energy of 370 Wh/kg and can support discharge rates up to 15C, making it exceptionally suited for use in electric aircrafts where high power output combined with energy density is crucial. The SiCoreâ„¢ cell's design leverages Amprius' proprietary silicon anode technology, offering a significant boost in performance for applications that demand both endurance and rapid energy delivery, like drones and electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles.
Svolt unveiled its Fengxing Short Blade Battery, which features a remarkable 6C charging rate, allowing for an 80% charge in just 8.5 minutes. This advancement in battery technology is aimed at addressing one of the main concerns for electric vehicle users: long charging times. With an energy density of 185 Wh/kg, the Fengxing Short Blade Battery not only promises rapid charging but also efficiency and convenience. This introduction positions Svolt as a competitive player in the fast-charging battery market, potentially influencing the broader adoption of electric vehicles by significantly reducing the time spent at charging stations.
Paper of the Week
Volta Foundation has released the latest Battery Report, summarizing the state of the battery industry in 2024. This report provides a comprehensive and accessible overview of the latest battery research, policy and business landscape.
On the Go
Despite slowing electric vehicle sales growth in the US and Europe, over 30 million new EVs are expected on the road in 2027. To scale production, manufacturers are racing to secure reliable and sustainable supply chains for critical components and materials. This session from this year’s World Economic Forum brings together major EV supply chain players to discuss the topic.
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