The Big View How the world could unplug from China’s batteries
Dec 10, 2024
Siva Sivaram, President and CEO of QuantumScape, is a veteran of the semiconductor industry now focused on solid-state battery technology for electric vehicles. Katrina Hamlin, Global production editor at Reuters Breakingviews, shares her expertise in the Chinese electric car sector. They discuss China’s dominance in the battery market and the challenges faced by international cell makers. Sivaram highlights the revolutionary potential of solid-state batteries, addressing their advantages and a timeline for their adoption, signaling a shift in the industry.
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Key Factors for EV Adoption
- Two factors enabled electric vehicle adoption: charging infrastructure and better batteries.
- Lithium-ion batteries improved significantly in performance, quality, safety, and cost, driving EV adoption.
China's EV Dominance
- China's focused policy, supporting battery and EV production, fueled its dominance in the EV market.
- A vertically integrated approach, domestic market focus, and government incentives contributed to China's success.
Siva's Career Shift
- Siva Sivaram transitioned from a 40-year career in semiconductor storage to QuantumScape.
- His experience with high-volume production and rapidly evolving technologies informed his move.