Integrals Power's advanced rich-manganese Lithium Manganese Iron Phosphate (LMFP) cathode active materials have successfully surpassed 1,500 cycles in durability testing conducted by QinetiQ, a renowned testing and research company. Pouch cells from the same batch have also been subjected to extreme cold temperature testing by Cranfield University, showing 85% retained capacity at -25ºC and 68% at -30ºC. These test results indicate significant improvements compared to other chemistries and ...

Nouveau Monde Graphite Inc. (NMG) is preparing for the construction of its Phase-2 Matawinie Mine in Canada. The project, identified by the Government of Canada as a major project of national interest, aims to support economic growth and the sourcing of critical minerals for G7 countries and allies. NMG has awarded significant contracts, securing over 50% of the project's capital expenditure, to ensure timely and on-budget delivery. Manawan-Fournier, an Atikamekw joint venture, will carry out...

The U.S. has finalized significant tariffs on imports of anode-grade graphite from mainland China following a Commerce Department conclusion that the product was being sold at below market price in the U.S. The government plans to impose a 93.5% antidumping duty and a 67% countervailing duty on this essential battery material. These duties are set to replace preliminary rates, with a notable decrease from over 700% for two specific companies. Countervailing duties are applied when imports receiv...

Ford Motor Co. is preparing for the launch of an affordable electric vehicle (EV) line next year, with a starting price of $30,000, aimed at competing with the growing presence of mainland Chinese automakers. The new EV is designed to be lighter, more streamlined, and more efficient, extending the driving range by nearly 50 miles. The company's objective is to create a budget-friendly EV that remains appealing to consumers by integrating advanced technologies, such as semi-autonomous driving, wh...

The European Union is working on a new draft policy that aims to mandate electric vehicles to have at least 70% of their components produced within the EU, excluding batteries, to qualify for state support and subsidies. This policy is part of a broader strategy to protect the EU's €2.6 trillion manufacturing sector and to counteract challenges such as competition from low-cost Chinese products, high-energy prices, and stringent climate regulations. Additionally, the policy will is expec...

Mirattery, the battery asset operator of Nio Inc, has completed its C3 equity financing round, raising 1 billion Chinese Yuan ($145 million), which brings the total Series C financing to nearly 2 billion Chinese Yuan. This round included two state-owned enterprise shareholders from Hefei, Anhui Province — Hefei Construction Investment Holding and Hefei Economic and Technological Development Zone (HETDZ) Investment Promotion. Hefei has been significant to Nio, hosting three of its manufac...

Ford CEO Jim Farley has reportedly discussed a potential roadmap with senior Trump administration officials for [mainland] Chinese automakers to produce vehicles in the United States through partnerships with American car companies. This strategy mirrors the approach used when mainland China's auto industry began, involving joint ventures where US companies hold controlling stakes, ensuring profit and technology sharing. Farley shared this idea with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, ...

Mercedes-Benz is recalling over 11,000 electric vehicles in the U.S. due to potential fire risks associated with a battery cell issue, as reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The recall involves vehicles with high voltage lithium ion batteries that contain less robust cells, a result of production process deviations by the supplier. These batteries pose a risk of internal short circuits, which could lead to a fire, either when the vehicles are in use or when...

BorgWarner reported its 2025 financial outcomes, showing a 1.6% increase in sales totaling $14.3 billion compared to 2024. When excluding foreign currency impacts, organic sales rose by 0.5%. The company reported net earnings of $1.28 per diluted share; however, adjusted net earnings, which exclude $3.63 of net losses from non-comparable items, were $4.91 per diluted share, experiencing a 14% boost from 2024. Operating income settled at $536 million, or 3.7% of net sales, but after excluding ...

The Serbian government has announced a regulation for subsidized purchases of new electric vehicles, offering incentives ranging from €250 to €5,000 , according to the Official Gazette. These subsidies are available to all legal entities and private individuals but are limited to new electric vehicles that have not been previously registered. The subsidy amounts vary by vehicle category: €250 for mopeds and light tricycles (categories L1 and L2), €500 for motorcycles, heavy tricycl...

Nio Inc has achieved a new record for its battery swap service on February 15, with 146,649 swaps conducted in a single day as public travel increased ahead of a major holiday in mainland China. This date marked the beginning of the 2026 Spring Festival holiday, which spanned until February 23, with the Chinese New Year occurring on February 17. The Spring Festival is a significant occasion for Chinese residents, often involving extensive travel as people return to their hometowns to reunite ...

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Nickel prices rose sharply after Indonesia imposed a significant reduction in production at Weda Bay, the world's largest nickel mine operated by Eramet and Tsingshan Holding. The production cap of 12 million tonnes of nickel ore for this year represents a substantial decrease from the 42 million tonne quota set by Jakarta for 2025. This action led to a 2% increase in nickel prices, reaching nearly $18,000 per tonne, in anticipation of Indonesia's broader quota cuts in the nickel industry by ...

Mainland China's solid-state battery industry is moving into early production and pilot deployment, with expectations to fully adopt these batteries later in the decade. Multiple battery suppliers and automakers in Mainland China are now in the various stages of pilot production and vehicle-integration programs. They are aiming to demonstrate vehicles equipped with the next-generation battery technology in 2027 and expand deployment in the subsequent years. The industry is characterized ...

Himadri Speciality Chemicals is expanding into the electric vehicle battery materials sector and is in discussions with global EV manufacturers and battery-makers to supply lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cathode materials. This move is intended to leverage the increasing demand for cost-efficient, safe and eco-friendly battery chemistries, thereby enhancing the company's role in the global energy storage supply chain. The company plans to introduce its LFP business in stages, aiming to supply m...

Imerys has announced that Banque des Territoires, representing the French government, is acquiring a minority stake in the Exploitation de Mica Lithinifère (EMILI) project. The transaction, aimed at supporting the project, is expected to be finalized in the coming months. The investment by the French government is part of the "critical metals" component of France 2030, and it marks a significant step in the development of the EMILI project, an endeavor recognized as strategically important a...

FAW Group subsidiary, China Automotive New Energy Battery (CANEB), has started testing semisolid-state batteries in prototype vehicles to validate this new power battery technology. This marks the first use of a lithium-rich manganese-based solid-liquid hybrid battery, representing a significant advancement in battery energy density. The battery, developed in collaboration with Professor Chen Jun's team at Nankai University, achieves an energy density of over 500 watt-hours per kilogram ...

Mining firm Keliber has initiated lithium mining operations in Kaustinen, located in western Finland, marking the commencement of Europe's first battery-grade lithium processing operation. The project is expected to generate about 350 jobs and offers a unique production chain in Europe. During a recent event attended by invited guests and reporters, the first spodumene veins were extracted from the Syväjärvi open pit mine in Kaustinen. These boulders will eventually yield Europe's first bat...

Cooper-Standard reported financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended Dec. 31, 2025. In the fourth quarter, the company’s sales increased 1.8% year over year to $672.4 million, but operating income dropped 98.1% year over year to $0.6 million. Net income also decreased by 91.7% year over year to $3.3 million. Adjusted EBITDA was $34.9 million, or 5.2% of sales, while net cash from operating activities was $56.2 million and free cash flow was $44.6 million. The year-over...

Porsche has decided to use South Korean batteries exclusively for all its electric vehicles sold in South Korea starting in 2026. Previously, the Macan Electric sport utility vehicle was equipped with batteries from mainland Chinese company CATL, but starting from the 2026 model year, vehicles will be fitted with Samsung SDI batteries. The Cayenne Electric, a midsize SUV to be released in 2026, and the Taycan, an all-electric model currently available, will feature batteries from LG Energy So...

BorgWarner, located in Auburn Hills, Michigan, has announced an expansion of its series-production battery management system (BMS) program with a global original equipment manufacturer. BorgWarner has been supplying the BMS to this customer since 2023, and the expanded program will support additional B-segment and C-segment passenger cars and light commercial vehicles (LCVs) for battery-electric vehicle (BEV) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle applications, starting in 2029. Stefan Demm...

Aviloo, an independent electric vehicle battery diagnostics company headquartered in Austria, has secured a strategic investment of approximately €30 million. This investment comes from Armira Growth and Invest AG, which has acquired all shares previously held by the European Innovation Council Fund. Raiffeisen KMU Invest remains a key shareholder, and the deal awaits regulatory antitrust approval. Established in 2018 by Wolfgang Berger and Nikolaus Mayerhofer, Aviloo has grown from an...

Gotion High-Tech, a leading battery-maker from mainland China, has entered into a partnership with BASF, a German chemicals company, to develop solid-state battery technology. This collaboration is aimed at advancing next-generation batteries expected to be incorporated into mass-produced vehicles in the near future. The companies signed a strategic cooperation memorandum in Gotion's headquarters in Hefei, Anhui, to embark on this joint development of high-performance materials crucial for ne...

Soon after Ford Motor Co. and General Motors (GM) wrote off billions of dollars due to scaling back their respective electric vehicle development plans, Stellantis announced it will take a staggering €22.2 billion hit to its balance sheet amid fading global demand for battery-electric vehicles (BEVs). The announcement came after the carmaker conducted a thorough assessment of its strategy and related costs to align its product development with real-world customer demand. The transition t...

ProLogium Technology has initiated the construction of a gigafactory in Dunkirk, France, marking the company's first facility outside Taiwan. This site will focus on the mass production of solid-state lithium ceramic batteries, contributing to Europe's energy transition and strategic technological sovereignty. Supported by the French government, this facility aims to enhance France's industrial ecosystem and create jobs while supporting the decarbonization of the economy. French President Emm...

Panasonic Holdings reported a 3.5% year-over-year decline in third-quarter operating profit for its Energy unit, which produces batteries for Tesla, primarily due to a weaker performance in the North American market. The company also revised its full-year profit outlook downward and reported a loss for the quarter. The Energy segment achieved a third-quarter operating income of ¥40.5 billion (approximately $259.2 million), influenced by a cooling electric vehicle market in North America, whi...

Prime Planet Energy & Solutions Inc., based in Chuo-ku, Tokyo, and led by President Hiroaki Koda, has announced the formation of a new subsidiary in the US. The subsidiary aims to bolster the company's organizational framework and operational capabilities in the North American market. Previously, the company's operations were primarily based in Japan and mainland China. The new subsidiary will address the urgent need to advance technical support for customers in North America and for the ...

Anson Resources Ltd., through its subsidiary Blackstone Minerals NV LLC, has successfully produced battery-grade lithium carbonate with 99.4% purity from the brine of its Green River Lithium Project. The company upgraded and purified the eluate, initially produced during test work at its Sample Demonstration Plant, and transported it to Anson's Lithium Innovation Center in Florida, US, for further processing. This proprietary downstream flow sheet removed impurities, resulting in lithium carb...

EcoPro has established its first European sales subsidiary in Germany to enhance its global expansion strategy. The company has appointed Kimbal Virdi, a former senior director of business development at EcoPro's cathode materials affiliate EcoPro BM, to lead this new unit. Virdi, who joined EcoPro BM in April 2024, brings extensive experience in lithium-ion battery systems from his 25-year career in the automotive industry. The Germany-based sales hub aims to strengthen EcoPro's presence in ...

BYD has made advancements in its sulfide-based solid-state battery technology, enhancing cycle life and fast-charging performance, with plans for small-batch production by 2027. The company has confirmed its focus on developing sulfide-based solid electrolytes as part of its solid-state battery technology road map. This puts BYD in line with other global battery-makers that are aiming to begin pilot production of solid-state batteries between 2026–2030. Alongside its progress on sul...

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LG Energy Solution is set to acquire full ownership of NextStar Energy, following a strategic decision made jointly with Stellantis, which will sell its 49% stake in the company. This transition is a result of extensive discussions with NextStar Energy's leadership and aims to ensure long-term growth and investment while maintaining a seamless transition. Established in 2022 as a joint venture between LG Energy Solution and Stellantis, NextStar Energy operates Canada's first large-scale battery ...

Stellantis-backed Automotive Cells Co. (ACC) has decided to abandon plans to construct gigafactories in Italy and Germany, according to the Italian metalworkers' union, UILM. ACC's initial strategy was to establish three gigafactories across Europe — in France, Germany and Italy. However, the projects in Termoli, Italy, and Kaiserslautern, Germany, have been definitively shelved. ACC said that the prerequisites for restarting these projects are unlikely to be met, prompting them to c...

Element3, a critical minerals company based in Fort Worth, Texas, has initiated lithium carbonate production in the Permian Basin, marking the first new domestic lithium mining project in the US in over 50 years. Located in Midland, Texas, the facility has a 3,000 metric tons per annum capacity and utilizes produced water from the Permian Basin, transforming oil and gas infrastructure into a critical mineral asset. This initiative supports the current US administration's goal to reduce reliance ...

CATL has started deploying its sodium-ion batteries in production-ready passenger vehicles, aiming to establish a leading position in developing more sustainable batteries. Together with Changan Automobile, CATL has introduced a sodium-ion battery-powered vehicle in Yakshi, Hulunbuir, Inner Mongolia, targeting a mid-2026 market launch. This is the world's first mass-produced passenger vehicle with sodium-ion batteries, although previous announcements by other Chinese automakers did not lead to l...

Taiwanese technology company Foxconn has started operations at its new research and development center focused on electric vehicles and associated technologies in Zhengzhou, located in mainland China. The local government announced that the facility is positioned close to BYD's factory in Zhengzhou and will concentrate on advancements in next-generation electric and electrical architecture, as well as smart driving technology. Li Guangyao, the general manager of a Henan, mainland China-bas...

Karma Automotive Inc. and Factorial Inc. have announced a partnership to launch the first solid-state battery production program in the US for passenger vehicles. This collaboration intends to incorporate Factorial's FEST solid-state battery technology into Karma's future vehicle platform, starting with the all-electric Karma Kaveya super coupe, which boasts over 1,000hp and a top speed exceeding 200 mph. The Kaveya is expected to be introduced to the US market by late 2027. The par...

QuantumScape Corp. announced the inauguration of its newly installed Eagle Line at its San Jose, California, facility. The event was attended by automotive original equipment manufacturer customers, ecosystem partners and government officials, and included a tour of the Eagle Line. The Eagle Line comprises equipment, materials and automated processes forming the production blueprint for QuantumScape's technology. It utilizes the Cobra process, a scalable method for producing the QuantumScape sep...

The Canadian federal government is expected to announce a shift in its national automotive strategy, moving away from the electric vehicle mandate toward new fuel-efficiency standards and credits, as reported by CBC News. Alongside this change, the government is expected to reintroduce popular incentives for consumers purchasing EVs. According to sources, the new emissions standards will still require a significant number of EVs by 2035, deviating from the previous mandate that set incrementa...

Ford Motor and Geely Auto are in discussions about a potential partnership to share the costs of technology and manufacturing. Geely may use Ford's European factory to produce vehicles for the European market, according to a Reuters report. Additionally, the companies are considering a framework for sharing automotive technologies, including autonomous driving. Progress on the European manufacturing negotiations appears to be smoother, with Ford's plant in Valencia, Spain, likely being con...

The BMW Group plant in Munich has begun producing pre-series vehicles of the new BMW i3, marking the next phase of preparation for series production, which is set to commence in the second half of 2026. Peter Weber, head of the BMW Group Plant Munich, highlighted this as a significant milestone, as it marks the first time a BMW i3 has been manufactured entirely within the plant using advanced production technology and digitally connected processes. This near-series production phase al...

AMG Critical Materials, a Dutch miner and lithium supplier, aims to reduce its dependence on mainland China by processing battery-grade lithium for electric vehicles in Brazil, Portugal and Germany. Michael Connor, the head of development at AMG, stated that the company plans to create a lithium highway connecting these three countries to bypass mainland China's monopoly on lithium processing. The goal is to establish a Western processing capacity in Brazil and Portugal to provide this expertise...

DENSO has announced financial results for the nine-month period ending Dec. 31, 2025, reporting a 3.9% year-over-year increase in consolidated revenue to ¥5.5 trillion (about $35.2 billion). Despite higher revenue, the Japan-based company recorded a 6.4% year-over-year decline in consolidated operating profit to ¥375.9 billion and a 12.5% year-over-year drop in consolidated profit attributable to owners of the parent company to ¥273.7 billion. In Japan, DENSO’s r...

Samsung SDI has reported its fourth-quarter and full-year financial results for 2025. In the final quarter of 2025, the company achieved revenue of 3.86 trillion won (approximately $2.6 billion) with an operating loss of 299.2 billion won. This revenue marks a 26.4% increase quarter over quarter and a 2.8% increase year over year. The operating loss was halved from the previous quarter, indicating a gradual improvement in business performance. The annual financial summary for 2025 showed reve...

Attorney General Dana Nessel's office in Michigan, US, has sent a formal demand letter to Gotion Inc. seeking the return of approximately $23.7 million in taxpayer money. This sum was used to prepare land in Big Rapids for a halted battery parts manufacturing plant project. The demand follows a letter from Michigan on Sept. 17, 2025, declaring Gotion in default of a $175 million taxpayer incentive agreement. Assistant Attorney General James A. Zeihmer mentioned in the letter that the cas...

In 2025, Hyundai Mobis won new business orders worth $9.17 billion from global automakers, excluding Hyundai Motor Group, which owns Hyundai Motor and Kia, surpassing its own target by 23%. This achievement was driven by substantial new orders for electrification components, an expanded supply of high-value-added electronic components, and proactive market entry into emerging economies such as mainland China and India. These results are notable given the revisions many global automakers hav...

Japanese oil company Idemitsu Kosan has commenced construction on a large-scale solid electrolyte pilot plant in partnership with the country's largest carmaker, Toyota. The electrolytes produced will be used in all-solid-state batteries for electric vehicles developed by Toyota. This decision follows successful trials at two smaller demonstration facilities. The new plant is projected to be completed by the end of 2027, with the aim of launching EVs equipped with these batteries around 2027 ...

CATL has unveiled a new battery pack, which retains 80% of its capacity after 3,000 cycles, or approximately 1.8 million km. This battery life cycle is six times the current industry average. CATL's 5C battery was introduced in a video published Jan. 29. CATL describes this technology as a significant advancement in ultrafast-charging durability, with performance that could potentially outlast the vehicle itself. The battery reportedly maintains 80% capacity even under extreme heat of 60°...

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In a strategic move to bolster its clean energy initiatives, India is set to unveil incentives to encourage the establishment of lithium and nickel processing plants. This development, reported by sources and a government presentation reviewed by Reuters, marks a significant step in India's efforts to accelerate its energy transition and reduce emissions. The initiative comes as India seeks to enhance its capacity to process critical minerals, a domain dominated by mainland China. Lithium and...

Cylib has successfully completed a pioneering customer project that involved producing battery-grade lithium carbonate (Li2CO3) from end-of-life nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) lithium-ion batteries, Cylib announced Jan. 29. According to the company, the newly recycled circular material has been qualified by an international battery manufacturer and is now being used to produce new electric vehicle batteries. Cylib did not disclose the name of its strategic partner for this project. “Du...

CATL is reportedly now using its sodium-ion batteries in passenger vehicles, making a transition from initial use in commercial vehicles. These batteries, from CATL's sodium-ion battery brand Naxtra, have been installed in a passenger vehicle model positioned under Changan Automobile's Oshan subbrand, with winter testing scheduled to start soon. CATL's sodium-ion batteries will soon be featured in passenger vehicle models from GAC Group and Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Group Corp (JAC). CATL...

Kandi Technologies Group Inc., renowned for its all-electric vehicles, has announced a new three-year strategic cooperation agreement through its subsidiary, China Battery Exchange, with Qiji Energy, which is a part of CATL. This agreement focuses on the deployment of heavy-truck battery-swap stations, encompassing mass-production projects, aftersales services and ongoing operational support. China Battery Exchange will serve as a strategic supplier to Qiji Energy, providing solutions for equ...

Beam Global, a company known for its sustainable infrastructure solutions in transportation and energy security, has received a European patent for its Smart Phase Change Composite (PCC) material used in lithium-ion batteries. This technology, granted by the European Patent Office, builds on Beam Global's existing US Patent No. 12,422,195, strengthening its intellectual property (IP) in Europe. The Smart PCC material acts as an intelligent thermal switch, optimizing battery temperature by ins...

Sodium-ion batteries have emerged as a promising sustainable alternative to lithium-ion batteries, yet their development has faced challenges due to high storage losses during the first charging cycle. Researchers at the Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing of Germany (Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und —prüfung [BAM]) have addressed these issues by designing an innovative core-shell anode that combines efficiency with high storage capacity. The problem originates fro...

Redwood Materials has completed the final closing of its Series-E financing round, raising a total of $425 million. The final close included ongoing participation from existing investors Capricorn and Goldman Sachs Alternatives, and introduced Google as a new investor. The increase from the previously announced $350 million is attributed to strong demand and confidence in Redwood Materials' long-term strategy and execution. This capital will be used to accelerate the company's energy storage ...

Tesla is set to significantly increase capital spending to $20 billion in 2026, with the majority of the funds allocated to future business lines such as autonomous vehicles and humanoid robots rather than its core electric vehicle business. This decision was shared by CEO Elon Musk during the company's Jan. 28 earnings call, where he described 2026 as a pivotal year for capital expenditure. CFO Vaibhav Taneja highlighted that most of the spending will support production lines for upcoming produ...

Posco Future M has invested in the US-based battery-cell maker Factorial to enhance its presence in the all-solid-state battery market. The South Korean battery-materials maker finalized its investment on Jan. 26 following an agreement signed on Jan. 7. Previously, the two companies entered into a cooperation agreement in November 2025 to jointly work on developing all-solid-state batteries. Posco Future M aims to leverage this investment to capitalize on rapid market growth, while Factorial ...

LG Energy Solution reported its 2025 financial results, disclosing 23.7 trillion won (approximately $16.4 billion) in consolidated revenue and 1.3 trillion won in operating profit. This marked a 133.9% increase in operating profit from the previous year despite a 7.6% decline in revenue. The company attributed this increased profitability to an enhanced product mix, improved material cost efficiency and a production incentive supported by stable North American sales performance. LG Energy Sol...

Ford Motor Co. has announced the appointment of Lisa Drake as the president of Ford Energy, effective immediately. She will report to John Lawler, vice chair at Ford Motor. Drake is expected to spearhead the launch of the company's battery energy storage systems (BESS) business, a venture the company announced for the first time in December 2025. Her responsibilities span the entire scope of Ford Energy's operations, including battery-cell manufacturing, system assembly and sales. Drake is...

Ford announced enhancements to its all-electric Explorer sport utility vehicle and Capri sports crossover, introducing a new lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery option and upgraded electric motor for Standard Range models to cater to customers seeking affordability. The upgraded powertrain results in a range improvement of up to 70 km, with the Explorer Standard Range now offering up to 444 km and the Capri Standard Range reaching up to 464 km on a full charge. This increase represents an en...

Volkswagen Group of America is set to recall 44,551 ID.4 electric sport utility vehicles in the US due to potential fire risks associated with the vehicles' batteries, Reuters reported Jan. 27, citing the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The larger of the two recalls affects 43,881 vehicles from model years 2023 to 2025. This recall is due to the possibility of the high-voltage battery overheating, which could lead to a fire hazard. Volkswagen dealers will address th...

Vietnamese vehicle manufacturer Kim Long Motor has announced a partnership with leading Chinese battery-maker BYD to develop a $130 million battery plant to produce batteries for commercial electric vehicles in central Vietnam. According to the agreement, Kim Long Motor will be responsible for the facility's construction, while BYD will provide extensive technical and technological support. The planned battery plant will cover 4.4 hectares and have an initial production capacity of 3 GWh ...

CATL, the world's largest battery manufacturer, plans to begin incorporating sodium-ion batteries in passenger vehicles in the second quarter of 2026 to promote broader adoption of this new battery technology. The first cars to feature sodium-ion batteries will come from Chinese automaker GAC Aion, according to CATL's Chief Technology Officer Gao Huan. CATL is scaling up the production capacity of sodium-ion batteries. According to Gao, as the production capacity increases, these batt...

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Michigan-based battery-maker Our Next Energy recently laid off 29 employees after its largest electric vehicle customer unexpectedly canceled its contract. The company notified Michigan's employment agency about the layoffs, which included engineers, managers and technicians, although the state's employment agency received the notice a week later. Our Next Energy explained that they could not provide the 60-day advance notice typically required by federal law due to the sudden cancellation by...

Solus Advanced Materials, a copper foil manufacturer from South Korea, is on the verge of signing supply contracts for battery foil with two new customers, including a mainland Chinese battery-maker operating in Europe. The company's production facility in Hungary positions it advantageously due to Europe's tightening battery regulations, which include origin requirements. Solus Advanced Materials is expected to finalize contracts within the first half of 2026, aiming to solidify its presence in...

Fortune Minerals Ltd. successfully concluded validation test work for an optimized hydrometallurgical flowsheet aimed at producing battery-grade cobalt sulphate heptahydrate for the NICO cobalt-gold-bismuth-copper project in Canada. The results demonstrated high metal recoveries using a simplified process flow sheet, which helps mitigate costs for the NICO Project. The test work received support from Natural Resources Canada's Global Partnerships Initiative program, a US Defense Production Ac...

California, US, has officially surpassed 2.5 million cumulative sales of new zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs), marking a significant milestone in the state’s clean transportation efforts. According to the California Energy Commission (CEC), this achievement was reached in the fourth quarter of 2025, when Californians purchased 79,066 new ZEVs, accounting for 18.9% of all new car sales in the state. Since the end of 2019, ZEV sales in California have grown by more than 300%, a surge attrib...

Leading Chinese automaker Geely Auto is set to begin production of solid-state battery packs later in 2026, marking significant progress in the research and development of the next-generation battery technology. This announcement was made at the Geely Holding Group's five-year strategy communication event, where it was stated that Geely Auto will complete production of its first in-house-developed all-solid-state battery pack in 2026 and will conduct vehicle installation verification. ...

JIOS Aerogel has announced that its South Korean manufacturing licensee has secured a contract to supply Thermal Blade thermal runaway barriers for Hyundai and Kia's upcoming and purpose-built vehicle models. This contract marks the first successful implementation of JIOS' Hub & Spoke business model, which licenses automotive suppliers to produce finished thermal barriers near customers. The contract was awarded through a Hyundai Motor Group tender, with mass production set to begin in Ju...

Portugal's Lifthium Energy has been awarded a €180 million government grant to construct a lithium refinery in northern Portugal to cater to the electric vehicle battery market. Portugal, known for its significant lithium reserves, primarily serves the ceramics industry but is now stepping into battery-grade lithium production. The grant was provided under the EU's Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework, which aims to expedite green and industrial advancements. Lifthium Energy is mostly ...

Honda Motor Co. Ltd. and Princeton NuEnergy Inc. (PNE) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to explore collaborations in next-generation lithium-ion battery recycling technologies. This agreement aims to enhance the circular battery materials supply chain and US energy independence by developing innovative recycling and rejuvenation methods. Since 2022, Honda and PNE have been jointly validating PNE's plasma-based Direct Recycling and Upcycling technologies for lithium-ion battery ...

LG Energy Solution (LGES), a South Korean battery manufacturer, is progressing with the construction of a pilot production line for sodium-ion batteries at its Nanjing facility in Jiangsu, China. This effort aims to evaluate the feasibility of mass production. The company plans to carry out research and development for next-generation batteries at its Daejeon Technology Research Institute in South Korea, followed by the creation of a prototype battery, referred to as Sample A, at its primary ...

Germany has decided to include cars with range extenders in its subsidy program designed to assist small- and medium-income households in purchasing new electric vehicles. The German government will provide financial support ranging from €1,500 to €6,000 for each car purchase. This initiative aims to boost sales in one of the country's crucial industries. The plan had been previously outlined by the Bild newspaper. Range extenders are defined as onboard generators powered by small combust...

Portugal aims to initiate a tender for lithium prospecting licenses in 2026, after multiple delays that began with the initial plan in 2018. Portuguese Environment Minister Maria da Graça Carvalho emphasized the importance of ensuring that local communities benefit from these mining projects. Portugal, Europe's leading lithium producer with reserves of 60,000 metric tons, primarily serves the ceramics industry and is now transitioning to producing battery-grade lithium to foster a robus...

BYD has reinforced its commitment to European customers by extending the warranty for its Blade batteries to eight years or 250,000 km, applicable to both existing and new vehicle purchases. This initiative covers all BYD new-energy vehicles (NEVs), including pure-electric and super hybrid models, which already have a basic warranty of six years or 150,000 km, a 12-year anti-perforation warranty, and an eight-year coverage for the electric-drive unit. The Blade battery warranty extension m...

Chery's Exeed brand plans to equip its battery-electric vehicles with solid-state batteries by 2026, specifically in a shooting brake model named Liefeng, which will boast a driving range of 1,500 km in temperatures as low as -30°C. The solid-state battery, known as Chery's Rhino S solid-state battery, is expected to have an energy density of 600 watt-hours per kilogram. Currently, polymer, oxide and sulfide are the mainstream alternative electrolytes for solid-state battery development, ...

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Vietnamese electric-vehicle maker Vinfast is in discussions with several battery manufacturers in India, including Tata-Gotion, to localize battery production for its vehicles. This move is part of VinFast's strategy to strengthen and expand its EV offerings in the Indian market. According to Vinfast Asia CEO Pham Sanh Chau, the company aims to increase its localization efforts, which stand at about 15%, to reach 40% soon. By localizing battery production, VinFast expects a significant boost ...

Syrah Resources, an Australian company, has announced an agreement with Tesla to extend the deadline for resolving an alleged breach of their graphite supply agreement. This is the third extension related to the 2021 agreement, which involves Syrah supplying 8,000 metric tons of graphite annually over four years. The agreement is crucial for Syrah's Vidalia, Louisiana, operations and the company's strategy to become the first major non-mainland Chinese supplier of graphite to the US. Tesla...

Seoul, South Korea, is expanding its incentives for electric vehicle purchases by adding city-funded subsidies to existing national support as part of its strategy to shift away from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Under the new plan, buyers who replace gasoline or diesel vehicles with electric models will receive an additional 300,000 won (approximately $204) from the Seoul metropolitan government, supplementing a 1 million won subsidy provided by ...

CES 2026 marked a clear shift in the automotive industry’s priorities. With demand for electric vehicles (EVs) softening and regulatory and cost pressures mounting, automakers and suppliers used the CES tech conference to emphasize automotive technology like artificial intelligence (AI) rather than electrification. Their focus moved to so-called physical and context-aware AI—systems that interpret real-world conditions in real time—positioning cars as software-defined vehicles rather than ...

Ford is reportedly in talks with BYD to acquire batteries for its hybrid models, according to The Wall Street Journal. This potential deal is being considered as Ford faces decreasing demand for electric vehicles. Discussions between the two companies are ongoing, with one possibility being the use of BYD batteries in markets outside the US. Ford commented that it engages in discussions with many companies on various matters, but BYD did not respond to requests for comment. The report has ...

Honda's new battery plant in Fayette County, Ohio, developed in partnership with LG Energy Solution, is scheduled to begin production in 2026. Initially set to start operations in late 2025, the opening was postponed to align with the launch of the new electric Acura RSX. This delay ensures the battery production coincides with the introduction of Acura's first electric sport utility vehicle, which will be produced at Honda's Marysville, Ohio, plant alongside its gas and hybrid vehicles. T...

Northern Graphite Corp. and Obeikan Investment Group have signed a term sheet to jointly develop a $200 million battery anode material (BAM) plant in Yanbu Industrial City, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The joint venture company will be owned 51% by Obeikan, which operates in packaging, printing and various industrial sectors in the Middle East and Africa, and 49% by Northern. The facility aims to produce 25,000 metric tons per year by 2028, with the capacity to scale up to meet rising global...

Dongfeng Automobile has commenced testing electric vehicles equipped with its 350-watt-hour per kilogram (Wh/kg) solid-state batteries in extreme cold weather conditions. The test fleet has departed from Wuhan to the Mohe Cold Region, which is in the northernmost part of mainland China, for rigorous winter calibration testing. The solid-state batteries are expected to provide EVs with a driving range of more than 1,000 km on a single charge and have passed stringent 170°C heat-box tests, dem...

The University of Birmingham in the UK has unveiled a new facility in the West Midlands dedicated to the separation and recycling of rare earth magnets. The new facility aims to reduce the UK's dependency on imports of rare earth metals, alloys and magnets. These magnets play a vital role in modern technologies such as wind turbines, electric vehicles and electronics, and their demand is likely to increase as low-carbon technologies advance. The facility employs a novel hydrogen-based recycli...

CATL, the world's largest battery manufacturer, has secured a supply of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) materials and invested in a lithium supplier to ensure the future supply of critical materials. Ningbo Ronbay New Energy Technology, which is listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange, announced that it has entered into an agreement with CATL to supply the latter with LFP cathode materials from the first quarter of 2026 to 2031. The agreement involves the supply of 3.05 million metric tons of...

Lilac Solutions and Traxys North America have announced a binding 10-year offtake agreement for lithium carbonate production at Lilac's Great Salt Lake facility in Utah, US. This definitive agreement will secure 100% of phase one production, marking a significant milestone in advancing the project toward a final investment decision. Under the terms of the agreement, Traxys will purchase 50,000 metric tons of lithium carbonate over the 10-year period, encompassing the entirety of the plan...

Volvo Cars has paused operations at its battery startup, Novo Energy, due to extended challenges in finding a new partner. This decision follows the scaling back of the project and occurs as multiple battery projects across Europe face cancellations and delays over increased costs and reduced electric vehicle demand. The Novo Energy factory has been stagnant for over a year since Northvolt, the Swedish battery-maker and former co-founder of Novo Energy with Volvo Cars, ceased operations. Alex...

Svolt Energy has launched an 80-kWh battery pack for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, claiming it to be the world's largest battery pack for PHEVs. Svolt unveiled the battery pack on the sidelines of its sixth Battery Day event in Changzhou, Jiangsu province, in mainland China. The battery pack is designed with an integrated system that enhances volume utilization and system energy density by 6%. Svolt Energy highlighted the pack's ultrafast-charging graphite technology, which s...

Volvo Car Group, owned by mainland China's Geely Holding, has initiated a global recall of its battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) due to safety concerns with batteries supplied by Chinese manufacturer Sunwoda Electronic. This decision follows a lawsuit filed by another Geely subsidiary against Sunwoda over battery quality issues. Volvo confirmed that in the UK market, 10,440 EX30 vehicles are affected by potential safety hazards linked to Sunwoda's high-voltage batteries. In total, 33,777 EX30 ...

Mainland China and the EU have reached a consensus regarding the price undertakings for exported battery-electric vehicles (BEVs). The agreement includes providing general guidance to Chinese exporters of BEVs to the EU. This consensus follows the EU's decision to impose anti-subsidy tariffs on Chinese BEVs in 2024, after an investigation into state support for the segment. The tariffs imposed were up to 35.3% in addition to the standard 10% tariff, a policy mainland China disagreed with...

Xpeng plans to establish independently operated overseas localized supply chain teams in European and Association of Southeast Asian Nations markets by 2026, following its 2025 launch of local production in Europe and Southeast Asia. This initiative aims to enhance overseas supply resource deployment, improve supply chain responsiveness and support Xpeng's strategy for local production abroad. The company has accelerated its international market expansion over the past two years and aims...