Gotion, Inobat to build 20 GWh battery plant in Europe by 2026
Reuters
23-09-18 09:32
Chinese battery maker Gotion High Tech and Slovak battery startup Inobat have announced plans to jointly build an electric vehicle (EV) battery factory in Europe by 2026. The factory will have an initial output of 20 gigawatt hours (GWh) and construction will begin in 2024. The companies are currently finalizing a location for the plant, with several European countries under consideration. Gotion, whose top shareholder is Volkswagen, has an exclusive contract with the automaker to supply EV batteries outside of China. Gotion is also building battery plants in Michigan and Illinois in the US.
Chinese battery maker Gotion supercharges global ambitions with German plant
South China Morning Post
23-09-18 08:01
Chinese electric vehicle (EV) battery producer Gotion High-tech has said it has received “a large number of orders” as its first overseas plant, in Germany, begins operations. The factory is expected to reach a production capacity of 5 GWh by mid-2024 and 20 GWh when fully operational. Gotion has a 2.1% share of the global market, but its growth ambitions have been hampered by geopolitical tensions and protectionist measures. Last week, the European Commission launched an anti-subsidy investigation into Chinese-made EVs that could affect more than 2 million projected annual exports to the continent by 2030.
China EV adviser sees tech tie-ups resolving EU trade conflicts
Reuters
23-09-18 13:51
A Chinese policy adviser has suggested that the country's auto industry should deepen ties with European peers through technology partnerships in order to find solutions to trade conflicts. The adviser, Dong Yang, proposed that Chinese battery suppliers should strengthen relationships with European companies and establish a local battery supply chain in Europe. He also suggested that European automakers could leverage China's electric vehicle (EV) technologies to expedite their transition to electrification. The adviser's comments come after the European Commission launched an investigation into China's EV subsidies, which could result in punitive tariffs.
UK car industry calls for tax incentives to help switch to EVs
Financial Times
23-09-18 12:18
The UK car industry has called for tax incentives to encourage consumers to switch to electric vehicles (EVs) as demand for battery-powered models among private buyers weakens. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said that if mainstream buyers are not convinced to switch to EVs, it will be harder for the UK to meet its net-zero goals. The SMMT has asked the government to reduce VAT on EVs and scrap plans to increase vehicle excise duty from 2025. It also wants the government to set a mandatory target for public charging points.
Battery prices plummet as electric cars approach ‘tipping point’
The Independent
23-09-18 15:52
The cost of lithium-ion batteries fell by almost 10% in August, surpassing a key milestone of $100 per kilowatthour (kWh). This is seen as a tipping point for the mass adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), as it brings battery pack prices closer to achieving price parity with fossil fuel-burning vehicles. The falling prices are attributed to decreasing raw material costs, including a significant drop in lithium prices. The discovery of massive lithium deposits, such as the McDermitt caldera on the Nevada-Oregon border, could further contribute to the decrease in battery costs. The falling prices have implications beyond EVs, including for technologies that require energy storage, such as solar and wind installations.
Stora Enso, others invest $18 mln in bio-graphite firm CarbonScape
Reuters
23-09-19 08:04
Finnish-Swedish forestry firm Stora Enso, battery producer Amperex Technology and other investors have put $18m into CarbonScape to help the New Zealand company commercialise its bio-graphite process for use in batteries. CarbonScape has patented a process that uses forestry by-products such as wood chips to make graphite. The investment will be used to develop plans to build production facilities in Europe and the US. CarbonScape's bio-graphite has a negative carbon footprint, saving up to 30 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions per tonne of material compared with mined or synthetic graphite.
Could China’s standard EV plants build super batteries for weapons?
South China Morning Post
23-09-19 14:00
China has developed a powerful lithium battery that could be used to advance the development of next-generation weapons and improve the capabilities of the Chinese military. The battery can release all of its energy in 12 to 36 seconds, with a full recharge taking just three minutes. It will be a lightweight, compact power source for weapons such as high-energy electromagnetic guns, subsonic weapons, electromagnetic launchers, laser weapons and active phased array radars that have extremely high requirements for power supply. The breakthrough was achieved with the direct involvement of China’s booming car industry and can be mass-produced in the nation’s many lithium battery plants. China is the largest producer of electric cars and leads the world in lithium battery technology. This new battery is a revolutionary design and has a record power density that was previously thought impossible.
Humber College uses digital twins to make buildings smarter
The Globe and Mail
23-09-19 11:00
Toronto's Humber College has reduced its energy use by more than 20% by retrofitting older buildings with smart sensors and installing energy-efficient windows and insulation. The college has reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 30% compared to a decade ago, and is on track to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. The college has partnered with Siemens Canada to develop a sustainable microgrid and renewable technology lab to teach students about microgrids. The lab features a variety of sustainable digital technologies, including a solar panel array that can generate 40% more electricity than a comparable-sized stationary panel.
Tampa Bay Rays Will Build Another Dome—This Time, With Windows
WSJ
23-09-19 14:45
The Tampa Bay Rays will build a new stadium with an anticipated capacity of 30,000, with the whole project expected to cost $900m, with the team and the owners responsible for the remainder of the cost. The city of St. Petersburg will provide the Rays with $600m in public funds, which will allow the team to build the stadium with a fixed-roof dome and artificial turf. The team will also develop the surrounding land into a mixed-use district. The Rays have struggled to fill their current stadium, Tropicana Field, due to its location and lack of transportation options. The team only draws around 18,000 fans per game, despite making it to the playoffs in five of the last six seasons. The new stadium is expected to attract more fans as the city has grown around it with an influx of younger residents who can walk to the stadium. The Rays will also look to attract more fans by building out parking and addressing traffic and transit issues in the area.
Sales of electric vehicles (EVs) are being driven by fleet and company car sectors rather than private buyers, with just 37,000 battery-powered vehicles being sold to private buyers in H1 2021, compared to 41,800 during the same period in 2020. This is in part due to generous tax breaks for fleet and company car sectors, which allow middle managers and delivery workers to be presented with EVs when they need new vehicles. However, sales to private buyers are stagnating, indicating that consumers are not choosing EVs when given the choice.
Republican lawmaker seeks details of Tesla relationship with Chinese battery company CATL
Reuters
23-09-19 20:06
The chair of the House Ways and Means Committee has requested Tesla to provide details about its relationship with Chinese battery manufacturer CATL. This comes as Republicans in Congress have been investigating Ford Motor's investment in building a battery plant in Michigan using CATL's technology. The committee is concerned that CATL may be negotiating similar agreements with other companies, including Tesla.
Exclusive: Tesla proposes building battery storage factory in India -sources
Reuters
23-09-21 13:43
Tesla has submitted a proposal to the Indian government to manufacture and sell its Powerwall battery storage systems in the country. Tesla has been in discussions with Indian officials about setting up a new electric vehicle factory in India to produce a car costing around $24,000. Tesla’s Powerwall is a system that can store power from solar panels or the grid for use at night or during power outages. Although the Indian government has not offered Tesla incentives to set up a battery storage factory, it has suggested that subsidies could be offered to customers purchasing such products.
Exclusive: JSW in talks with LG Energy Solution to make EV batteries in India -sources
Reuters
23-09-21 12:51
Indian steel-to-energy conglomerate JSW Group is holding early-stage discussions with LG Energy Solution (LGES) about manufacturing batteries in India for electric vehicles (EVs), according to unnamed sources. JSW is reportedly also in talks with battery manufacturers CATL, Panasonic and Toshiba. The company is aiming to establish a battery factory capable of producing 20 GWh of capacity by 2030. EV sales made up fewer than 2% of all cars sold in India last year but the government hopes to increase this to 30% by 2030 and is offering companies incentives to manufacture EV components locally.
Asian EV companies descend on Dunkirk as Europe courts investment
Nikkei Asia
23-09-21 21:00
Taiwanese battery maker ProLogium will invest €5.2bn ($5.5bn) in building a gigafactory in Dunkirk, France, to produce solid-state batteries for EVs. The move reflects Europe's growing importance in the EV supply chain and the EU's desire to reduce dependence on China for EVs, batteries and materials. The project was approved by the European Commission in August and the French government will provide €1.5bn in subsidies. ProLogium aims to break into the EV battery market and chose France for its first large-scale battery plant outside Taiwan.
Japan, Canada pledge more co-operation on battery supply chains, AI technology
The Toronto Star
23-09-21 19:36
Canada and Japan have signed a battery supply-chain agreement, with Japan seeking access to American EV subsidies and Canada wanting to expand its position in the battery industry. The move also comes as both countries look to counter China's economic and political dominance in the Indo-Pacific region and the global battery industry. Japan brings technology in mineral processing, battery, and auto companies, while Canada offers access to critical minerals and emerging battery manufacturing capacity. There is interest from Japanese automakers to make EV batteries in Canada, according to Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson.
U.S. plan envisions factories in Africa for surging EV battery demand
Washington Post
23-09-22 10:00
The United States, Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to develop an electric battery supply chain, the plan will allow Africans to reap more wealth from their abundant natural resources, instead of the industrial countries getting most of the benefit. However, the industrial mining of cobalt and copper for rechargeable batteries is leading to human rights abuses including the forced eviction of entire communities, arson, sexual assault and beatings amongst others.
Iran says fire at defence ministry warehouse extinguished, under investigation
Reuters
23-09-22 08:43
A fire broke out at the Iranian defence ministry's battery warehouse in Tehran, the latest in a series of incidents targeting the country's defence industry. There were no casualties reported, and the cause of the fire is under investigation. Last month, Iran accused Israel of attempting to sabotage its defence industry. In February, Iran blamed Israel for a drone attack on a military factory. Israel has not responded to the allegations but has previously stated its willingness to strike Iranian targets if diplomacy fails. The two countries have a history of mutual allegations of sabotage and assassination plots.
Tech Latest: China's EV domination and Indonesia's battery woes
Nikkei Asia
23-09-22 07:57
The EU is taking steps to challenge China's dominance in the electric vehicle (EV) market. The EU has set ambitious targets for reducing carbon emissions and sees EVs as a key part of achieving those goals. However, China currently controls around 70% of the global EV battery market, giving it a significant advantage. In response, the EU is developing its own EV battery industry, aiming to produce 30% of the world's EV batteries by 2030. This includes funding research and development, building battery factories, and establishing supply chains for raw materials. The EU is also considering imposing stricter regulations on battery imports, which could potentially limit China's market share. However, the EU faces several challenges, including competition from other countries, such as the US and South Korea, and the need for significant investment. Meanwhile, Indonesia is struggling to achieve its goal of becoming the world's EV battery hub. The country has rich reserves of nickel, a key material for EV batteries, and aims to become a major player in the industry. However, it faces challenges in developing the necessary infrastructure and attracting investment. Indonesia is also grappling with environmental concerns related to nickel mining, as well as competition from other countries, such as China and the Philippines. Despite these challenges, Indonesia is still pushing forward with its plans and has signed several agreements with foreign companies to develop its EV battery industry.
Canada to support Japan's EV battery supply chain: diplomat
Nikkei Asia
23-09-22 17:27
Canada is willing to support Japanese companies in gaining access to critical minerals needed for electric vehicle (EV) batteries, according to Ian McKay, the Canadian ambassador to Japan. The Canadian government aims to support and facilitate Japanese companies in building a supply chain for batteries in Canada, which would allow them to qualify for EV tax breaks offered in the US. Canada also hopes to boost the production of critical minerals by drawing international businesses to the country. McKay highlighted Canada's strength in its supply chain, renewable energy projects, and free trade agreements.
Government announces $325M for long-lasting clean energy batteries
The Independent
23-09-22 17:21
The US Department of Energy is investing $325m in battery technology to enable the storage of solar and wind power for use during periods of low renewable generation. The funds will be distributed among 15 projects across 17 states and the Red Lake Nation. The projects will focus on "long-term" storage, capable of lasting more than the four hours typical of lithium-ion batteries. The aim is to develop storage solutions that can provide continuous power from sundown to sunrise, or during extended periods of overcast weather.
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