Electromobility is booming and technologies are developing. Battery cells are needed everywhere. So it is not surprising that new batteries from China are in demand. After all, China's largest battery manufacturer Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited (CATL) is the global number one for batteries. This means that the automotive and technology industry is also becoming increasingly dependent on Chinese battery suppliers. In addition, China has two-thirds of the deposits of critical raw materials such as antimony and barite and other rare earths, which are essential for drone, battery and robot production. This also makes China one of the top three global suppliers, far ahead of the USA and Russia. However, even China does not have all the raw materials, which has led to increased shortages of computer chips, particularly during the coronavirus crisis. This is because the Chinese battery industry was unable to keep up with the booming e-industry and supply bottlenecks. China's battery manufacturers and their developments And yet the Chinese battery industry is growing steadily. The Chinese battery manufacturer CATL wants to provide an alternative to lithium batteries with sodium-ion batteries. BYD, on the other hand, is working on its blade technology, which has a lower fire risk. This is because it contains a lithium iron phosphate battery. GAC claims to have produced a square hard-shell cell with an energy density of 275 Wh per kilogram. The variety of battery cells shows the lead of the Chinese industry. From joint ventures between suppliers and supply bottlenecks to recycling and investments in and of batteries – news on new batteries from China from the Table.editorial team.
Energy: Ireland wants to turn Europe into an electric continent
In the second half of this year, Ireland will assume the EU Council presidency. A senior ministry official outlined Ireland’s energy policy during a visit to Berlin. Meanwhile, the European Commission is postponing its electrification plan.
By Manuel Berkel