Battery Insiders

Dr. Simon Engelke speaks with Yann Vincent, CEO of Automotive Cells Company (ACC) to explore the strategic vision and challenges of strengthening Europe's battery independence through sustainable manufacturing, regulatory navigation, and future expansion plans. ACC is a European battery manufacturer backed by Stellantis, Mercedes-Benz, and TotalEnergies. They build gigafactories to power Europe’s clean mobility shift and to strengthen the continent’s battery independence and industrial resilience.What we cover in this episode: Yann Vincent's personal insights on leadership and his transition from automotive to battery manufacturingACC's origin story and its vision for Europe's battery independenceBattery cell costs, local supply chains, chemistry choices, and EU regulationsThe impact of electric vehicle (EV) demand on expansion plans and ACC's financing strategiesACC's sustainability efforts, potential moves beyond automotive into energy storage and next-generation battery technologiesThe importance of local supply chains and partnerships with European battery material suppliersChallenges of competing with Chinese manufacturers, the need for European sovereignty in battery production, and the role of government support and regulations Chapters:00:00 Introduction to ACC and the European Battery Landscape02:58 Yann Vincent's Background and the Formation of ACC05:26 Current Status and Future Plans of ACC08:08 Yann's Personal Motivations for Transitioning from Automotive to Battery Cell Production14:02 Challenges in Battery Cell Costs and Competition with China16:49 The Importance of European Battery Supply Chains for the European Car Industry18:11 How Europe Can Catch Up with China in Battery Cell Manufacturing23:50 Tariffs vs. Subsidies as Regulatory Support27:24 Competitive Advantages and Disadvantages of a Fully European Battery Material Supply Chain30:06 Navigating Battery Chemistry and Market Trends35:09 Balancing Manufacturing with R&D36:37 Is Regulation a Competitive Advantage or a Burden? Sustainability in Battery Production38:48 How the European Financing Ecosystem is Responding to the Battery Industry46:09 Market Demand Dynamics and Future Expansion Plans50:18 Thoughts on Expansion Approach52:52 Similarities and Differences Between Battery Manufacturing and Car Manufacturing54:32 Future Outlook for ACC and the Battery Market

In this episode of the Battery Insiders podcast, Dr. Simon Engelke speaks with Mr Vikram Handa, Founder and Managing director of Epsilon Advanced Materials, about the critical role of synthetic graphite in battery supply chains. They discuss the innovative production processes, the differences between synthetic and natural graphite, and the cost dynamics affecting the industry. Vikram Handa shares insights on localization strategies, current projects in the US and Finland, and the importance of partnerships for validation in battery materials. The conversation also touches on ESG considerations and the recent acquisition of LFP technology, highlighting the future direction of Epsilon in the battery materials landscape.

In this exclusive battery insiders podcast conversation, Simon Engelke interviews Frank Blome, CEO of PowerCo SE, discussing his journey in the electric vehicle (EV) industry, the evolution of battery technology, and the strategic direction of PowerCo. Blome shares insights on the challenges and innovations in battery production, including the development of solid-state batteries and cost management strategies. He emphasizes the importance of building a sustainable battery ecosystem in Europe and the future of stationary batteries. The conversation concludes with Blome's thoughts on managing global operations and the future outlook for PowerCo.-------------------------------------------------------------------About us: Battery Associates was founded in 2020 to unite battery enthusiasts globally and bring about sustainable energy solutions. B.A leverages the power of individuals to accelerate sustainable battery development and increase access to energy-efficient and sustainable batteries.Website: https://www.battery.associates

In this episode of the Battery Insiders Podcast, Dr. Simon Engelke interviews Niclas Lehnert, co-founder of Pulsetrain, to discuss the innovative technology of multi-level inverters and their potential impact on the electric vehicle industry. They explore the workings of multi-level inverters, the challenges faced in their adoption, the role of AI in extending battery life, and the importance of data in understanding battery performance. The conversation also touches on market entry strategies, weight reduction benefits, and fire safety improvements associated with this technology.

In this episode of the Battery Insiders Podcast, Dr Simon Engelke speaks with Lord Adair Turner, Chair of the Energy Transitions Commission, about the transformative role of battery technology in achieving net-zero emissions. They discuss the rapid decline in battery costs, the importance of long-duration storage solutions, the challenges and opportunities in electric vehicle integration, regulatory hurdles, investment landscapes, and the global perspectives on energy transition. The conversation highlights the unstoppable momentum towards a sustainable energy future driven by innovation and collaboration.

In this episode of the Battery Insiders podcast, Simon Engelke speaks with Julia Poliscanova about the current state and future of the battery industry in Europe. They discuss the geopolitical dynamics affecting battery production, the need for a European equivalent to the US Inflation Reduction Act, and the challenges faced by European gigafactories. The conversation also covers energy costs, the UK's role post-Brexit, the Critical Materials Act, and the importance of diversifying supply chains. Julia emphasizes the need for better policies to support local production and technology transfer, as well as the potential for Europe to become self-sufficient in lithium by 2030. The episode concludes with a discussion on the importance of alliances and partnerships in the global battery market.

In this episode, Dr. Xi Dou, co-founder and CEO of Hytzer Energy, discusses the current state and future potential of solid-state batteries (SSBs). He highlights their advantages, including higher energy density, much higher power density and intrinsically improved safety compared to traditional lithium-ion and other solid-state batteries, and explains the scientific and manufacturing challenges that hinder solid-state battery's commercialization in general. The conversation touches on the root causes of thermal run-away mechanism in conventional lithium-ion batteries and highlights why solid-state batteries address this safety issue; cost reduction potential, with polymer-based SSBs being more compatible with existing production lines. Dr. Dou also outlines key market applications with stringent safety requirements and demanding performance, such as flying taxis and premium electric vehicles. He further describes ongoing innovations, including advanced designs of lithium-metal anodes and anode-free batteries. He concludes with insights into future advancements, including batteries with energy densities exceeding 500 Wh/kg, and the readiness of large-format SSBs for commercial applications. BatteryMBA is an accredited online training program focused on the battery industry. It offers a 12-week course with live and recorded sessions taught by top industry experts. Participants gain in-depth technical and business knowledge, covering various battery topics. The program includes weekly live interactive sessions, access to past and future lecture recordings, and opportunities for networking with a global community of battery professionals. Scholarships are available Website: https://www.battery.mba.

In this episode, Our guest speaker Ken Hoffman highlights the competitive advancements in battery technology, particularly in China, where innovations in battery pack design allow for extended ranges and rapid recharge times, giving them an edge over Western models. Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) are also very cost-competitive, putting pressure on Western markets. To close the gap, Western companies are exploring new battery technologies aimed at reducing production costs and improving efficiency. Hoffman suggests that instead of replicating China’s large-scale production methods, the U.S. and Europe should focus on innovative, smaller-scale facilities. He emphasizes the importance of increased investment to build a strong domestic battery supply chain in North America and Europe. BatteryMBA is an accredited online training program focused on the battery industry. It offers a 12-week course with live and recorded sessions taught by top industry experts. Participants gain in-depth technical and business knowledge, covering various battery topics. The program includes weekly live interactive sessions, access to past and future lecture recordings, and opportunities for networking with a global community of battery professionals. Scholarships are available Website: https://www.battery.mba.

In this episode, Our guest speaker Celina Mikolajczak, Chief Battery Technology Officer at Lyten, shares insights from her 25-year career in the battery industry, detailing her work from early battery failure analysis to pioneering electric vehicle batteries at Tesla, where she helped address large-scale manufacturing and safety challenges. Reflecting on the growth of the battery market and her experiences at Tesla, Uber and Panasonic, she emphasizes lithium-sulfur technology as a promising alternative to lithium-ion, offering cost efficiency, scalability, and a reduced carbon footprint. Mikolajczak highlights lithium-sulfur's potential to improve supply chain resilience and achieve lower costs, even as the battery industry addresses production efficiency challenges and the need for lower scrap rates. If you are interested in learning more about batteries and connecting with industry experts, consider joining the BatteryMBA program (htpps://battery.mba). Apply by 18th December 2024 for the upcoming January 2025 cohort. Hope to see you there!

In this episode, our guest speaker Lie, CEO of AM Batteries, discusses advancements in dry electrode manufacturing, a solvent-free alternative to traditional wet battery production that is more sustainable and cost-effective. Lee highlights how AM Batteries process eliminates the toxic solvent NMP, used in conventional methods, reducing both environmental impact and production costs by up to 40%. He explains that their dry process is compatible with various chemistries like NMC, LFP, and silicon anode and increases energy density by 5-10%, making it a versatile solution for the battery industry. If you are interested in learning more about batteries and connecting with industry experts, consider joining the BatteryMBA programme (htpps://battery.mba). Apply by 18th December 2024 for the upcoming January 2025 cohort. Hope to see you there!