Analysis of novel EV battery technologies, with a focus on tech transfer and commercialisation

This report summarises the recent advancements in battery technologies for mobility applications, focusing on electric vehicles, and looks at the main barriers encountered in their journey from lab to market. Both Li-ion batteries and next-generation batteries are discussed. The report includes information about identified barriers for scaling-up the battery manufacturing industry in Europe and proposes solutions to overcome them. It identifies technical challenges, such as manufacturing of Li-ion and next-generation batteries at industrial scale, while maintaining high yield and quality without excessive cost. It also reveals that scaling up is hindered by financial issues and lack of funding, especially given how expensive and risky setting up raw material, recycling or cell manufacturing factories is. The findings also highlight how unpredictable permitting can be a significant barrier, as well as the limited citizen acceptance of either new factories or electric vehicles in general. As solutions, we propose setting up pilot facilities to validate new processes and materials, increased financial support and an improved financial framework to create a level playing field when compared to USA and Asia, and clear rules for permitting. Also, activities to train workforce for the factories is needed, as well as sharing clear and reliable information about batteries for citizens and policymakers. The findings are based on interviews with a sample of 17 research centres, companies and umbrella organisations in Europe along the battery value chain, as well as literature information and the author’s participation in European projects, events, and networks. Relevant policies, such as the Net-Zero Industry Act, the Critical Raw Materials Act and the Batteries Regulation, are taken into consideration in the analysis.