batteries

Consumer cell maker Varta has received up to €300 million ($341 million) funding to help transfer its technology to larger format batteries for use in energy storage and mobility applications.

Funding from IPCEI (Important Project of Common European Interest) will help the German battery firm develop its latest generation of lithium-ion cells. 

Image: Peter Altmaier (left) hands over the IPCEI funding to Herbert Schein, CEO of Varta. Photo: Varta

Tesla is planning to expand manufacturing capacity at its Freemont, California, facility to develop more ‘effective’ lithium-ion batteries and more efficient manufacturing technology.

Plans given to Freemont government back-up rumours of the US firm’s Roadrunner project that will support manufacturing, R&D operations— including cathode making— and the final step in cell manufacturing.

Chinese battery maker Vision Group, which makes lead-acid batteries through its subsidiary Shenzhen Center Power Tech, has announced plans to build a 30GWh lithium-ion battery plant in China's Hubei province.

The company says the plant will meet demand from the 5G telecom networks and new energy vehicle (NEV) power battery sectors, according to media organisation Argus Media.

An award winning US Harvard University scientist who reportedly worked on nano-wire-based lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles has been indicted on charges of making false statements to federal authorities regarding his participation in China’s Thousand Talents Program. 

Dr. Charles Lieber has been indicted by a federal grand jury on two counts of making false statements and will be arraigned in federal court in Boston, US, at a later date. He was arrested on 28 January.

South Korea's vehicle OEM Hyundai Motor Group has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with PV manufacturer Hanwha Q Cells to recycle old EV batteries into second-life energy storage applications.

The partnership will develop energy storage systems (ESS) using old EV batteries for the European and North American markets.