Several startups, including Factorial Energy, QuantumScape, and SES AI, are advancing to the sample delivery and pilot runs for semi-solid or quasi-solid-state batteries. These first-generation products are expected to enter mass production next year. Despite technical barriers, semi-solid or quasi-solid-state batteries, with a small amount of liquid electrolyte, are seen as interim options for U.S. and European automakers.

17 U.S. and European solid-state battery companies have raised over $4.2 billion in funding. Supported by programs like the US Department of Energy and the EU’s Horizon Europe initiative, some companies are already conducting vehicle integration tests with automakers.

US and European manufacturers are focusing on polymer-based or oxide-based solid electrolytes as their core technologies.

➀ The HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management is part of the European research project SAFELOOP, which is advancing the development of a new generation of safe, sustainable, and high-performance lithium-ion batteries (LIB) for electric vehicles.

➁ SAFELOOP brings together 15 leading academic and industrial partners from 11 countries to develop innovative technologies for a competitive and environmentally friendly battery economy in Europe.

➂ HHL supports technology strategy and IP management, analyzing the global value chain of the LIB industry, evaluating the international patent landscape, and developing viable business models for European innovators.

➀ The EU project led by Empa significantly improved batteries for electric vehicles over four years;

➁ The goal was to scale new materials and technologies to market as quickly as possible;

➂ The project developed a new battery module with higher energy density, better environmental footprint, and improved safety features.

➀ The increasing share of electric vehicles (EVs) necessitates a growing need for skilled professionals in the field.

➁ Vocational school teachers from across Bavaria are being trained at the Hochschule Coburg to keep up with the latest technology in EVs.

➂ The training focuses on various aspects such as motor types, cooling systems, and energy management, with hands-on experience and guest lectures from industry experts.

➀ The Fraunhofer IWU has achieved a patent-worthy achievement with the VibroDraw process, which integrates ultrasonic vibrations into deep drawing processes to reduce friction and improve material handling.

➁ The process, developed in collaboration with MARK Metallwarenfabrik GmbH and DEVAD GmbH, has the potential to reduce friction by at least 20 percent.

➂ The technology is being transferred to industry, particularly for the deep drawing of cell housings in high-voltage batteries for electric vehicles, aiming for larger cell formats and higher energy density.

The University of Bayreuth is involved in the SIB:DE FORSCHUNG project, aiming to advance the industrial application of sodium-ion batteries. The project, funded by €14 million from the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research, involves 21 institutions to fast-track the application of research discoveries. Professor Dr. Matteo Bianchini leads the 'Anodes' subteam focusing on the development of new active materials for cathodes and anodes. The project includes seven industrial partners and 14 academic partners, with an extended consortium of 42 associated partners.

The University of Bayreuth is involved in the project 'Sodium-Ion Battery: Germany Research – SIB:DE RESEARCH' aimed at the rapid industrial implementation of sodium-ion batteries. Twenty-one national institutions from science and industry are pooling their expertise to quickly transfer research results into practical application. The research project is funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) with approximately 14 million euros.

Lithium-ion batteries are the most commonly used energy storage devices currently. However, resource dependence and scarcity are significant challenges for this technology. Therefore, alternatives for mobile and stationary energy storage are urgently needed. Sodium-ion batteries (NIB, SIB) are considered a promising approach due to their abundance, affordability, and safety. Thus, sodium-ion batteries could play a key role in a stable and sustainable European energy supply.

The SIB:DE RESEARCH project involves 21 German institutions that are examining the suitability of SIB for the energy and mobility transition and aim to quickly industrialize its use. The project focuses on identifying SIB active materials that can be produced on a scalable basis and offer competitive cell performance. Prof. Dr. Matteo Bianchini from the University of Bayreuth's Chair of Inorganic Active Materials for Electrochemical Energy Storage is working on developing new active materials for cathodes and anodes, which are crucial for the performance of SIB.