Author name: Cornelius Karow

In the latest episode of “eMobility Insights”, electrive editor-in-chief Peter Schwierz talks to Prof. Heiner Heimes from PEM at RWTH Aachen University about the current state of European battery cell production. The podcast is in German. The discussion explains why many original expansion plans have since been significantly scaled back. According to electrive, announced cell production capacities in Europe have fallen from around 2,000 to below 1,000 gigawatt-hours per year. Heimes sees the main challenge less in building new factories than in ramping up production reliably. Key factors include quality, low scrap rates and sufficient capital. The podcast also addresses the consequences of the Northvolt case for confidence in European battery projects. At the same time, Heimes points to areas where Europe still has potential, including recycling, testing infrastructure, and module and pack production. PowerCo, Volkswagen’s battery subsidiary, is also mentioned as an important test case. The episode provides a sober assessment of what role Europe can still play in the battery value chain. The podcast is available here on electrive:Listen to the conversation with Heiner Heimes

Eni Industrial Evolution, a subsidiary of the Italian energy company Eni, and FIB, a unit of the Italian Seri Industrial Group, have signed an agreement to create an integrated supply chain for lithium iron phosphate batteries.  The project includes the production of battery cells and modules, as well as the assembly of stationary energy storage systems. Applications for industrial and commercial electric mobility are also planned. Later, recycling, material recovery, and the production of active cathode material could be added. Gigafactory planned by 2029 Under the agreement, FIB will expand its industrial operations at its Teverola site in the Caserta province. According to the companies, a facility for producing lithium iron phosphate cells is already operational there. Additionally, the joint venture Eni Storage System plans to complete an assembly line for utility-scale battery storage systems at its Teverola-Brindisi site by mid-2027. A second gigafactory is also planned by 2029. This facility is expected to produce cells and modules with an annual capacity of over 8 GWh. The companies aim to capture more than ten percent of the European stationary battery market. Under the agreement, Eni Industrial Evolution will acquire a 30 percent stake in a newly established company from FIB. FIB will retain a 70 percent stake. The new entity will focus on commercial development, procurement, and engineering. The fixed purchase price is 55 million euros, with provisions for potential price adjustments. Source:https://seri-industrial.it/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/PR_EIE_SERI.pdf

LG Energy Solution Vertech announced a supply agreement with DTE Energy for battery storage systems in Michigan. The agreement covers eight projects with a total capacity of one and a half gigawatts and a storage capacity of six gigawatt-hours. The systems are scheduled to be delivered within two years. Battery cells made in North America LG Energy Solution plans to assemble the systems using battery cells produced in Michigan, as well as in other facilities in the United States and Canada. DTE Energy cites the agreement in connection with the growing demand for electricity driven by new data centers. For example, DTE mentions the approved contract for an Oracle data center in Saline Township. These battery storage systems, financed by Oracle, are expected to meet the company’s share of Michigan’s Clean Energy Standard for battery storage by 2030. Source:https://news.lgensol.com/company-news/press-releases/4978/

The South Korean battery manufacturer SK On is withdrawing from its joint battery partnership with Ford in the U.S., and will independently operate its Tennessee plant going forward. The former BlueOval-SK facility in Tennessee has been renamed “SK On Tennessee.” In return, Ford will assume sole control of two battery plants in Kentucky. The restructuring was completed five months after the dissolution of the joint venture. The partnership was founded in 2022 when the outlook for electric vehicle demand was much more optimistic. Financial Relief for SK On For SK On, the primary focus of the separation is financial relief. The company expects the dissolution of the joint venture to reduce its debt by approximately 5.4 trillion won, equivalent to about $3.6 billion. Additionally, SK On anticipates annual savings of approximately $180 million on interest expenses. The new structure is also expected to reduce depreciation costs. The company therefore presents the decision as a step toward strengthening its financial structure and managing its U.S. operations more efficiently. Sources:https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20260521011400320https://askinno.com/global/archives/154659

The Chinese battery manufacturer Svolt Energy aims to begin mass production of semi-solid-state batteries by September of this year. According to the company, the cost is expected to be comparable to that of conventional lithium-ion batteries with liquid electrolytes. Several vehicle models are set to be equipped with the new cells by the end of September. One variant scheduled to enter mass production will reportedly have a capacity of 100 kilowatt-hours. This information comes from Yang Hongxin, Svolt’s chairman and CEO. In a video posted on Weibo, he explained that a key focus of the cells is high operational safety. Interim Solution Before Solid-State Batteries Semi-solid-state batteries use both liquid and solid electrolytes to transport ions between the cathode and anode. This technology is considered an intermediate step on the path to solid-state batteries, which operate exclusively with solid electrolytes. Commercializing the latter is still considered difficult. Yang described the path to mass production as long. Other major battery manufacturers are also continuing to work on all-solid-state batteries. According to reports, CATL and BYD are initially aiming for small-scale production by 2027. Source:https://cnevpost.com/2026/05/19/svolt-plans-mass-produce-hybrid-solid-liquid-batteries-september-liquid-battery-costs/