Battery Development

The Spanish battery developer Basquevolt has unveiled its first standardized battery cell, the BQV400L. According to the company, the cell has a gravimetric energy density of 402 Wh/kg and a capacity of 27 Ah. The cell uses NMC lithium-metal chemistry, enabling a pulse power of 8.9 C. It is produced in Spain, with about 75 percent of its components sourced from Europe. Polymer Electrolyte as the Technical Core According to Basquevolt, the BQV400L is the first standardized cell product to utilize the company’s proprietary polymer electrolyte technology. This technology is reportedly suitable for industrial applications in sectors such as automotive manufacturing, aviation, and stationary energy storage. Basquevolt presents the cell as a drop-in solution compatible with existing Gigafactory infrastructure. Therefore, no significant additional manufacturing investments are necessary. The market launch follows an agreement with Ampere, the electric vehicle and software unit of the Renault Group. In February, the two companies announced their intention to develop lithium-metal batteries for future electric vehicles and validate them under real-world automotive conditions. Basquevolt views the BQV400L as an intermediate step toward the industrialization of its solid-state battery technology. Source:https://basquevolt.com/en/news/news/BASQUEVOLT_Launches_BQV400L

The Chinese lithium producer Ganfeng Lithium has started producing solid-state batteries with an energy density of 500 Wh/kg on a small scale. This information was released by the Chinese company on Wednesday in minutes from an investor meeting. The cell has a capacity of 10 Ah and, according to Ganfeng, will be the first solid-state product of this size to reach 500 Wh/kg. 400 Wh/kg cell reportedly completes validation In parallel, Ganfeng reports progress on a solid-state cell with 400 Wh/kg. It reportedly exceeded 1,100 charge cycles in testing. Furthermore, technical validation has been completed. The company sees potential for larger-scale applications. The Chinese lithium group is pursuing two development paths for solid-state batteries. In addition to lithium-metal anodes, Ganfeng is working on silicon-carbon anodes. The goal is to overcome hurdles in industrialization and accelerate the mass production of high-energy density batteries.  Progress is also being made with silicon-based anodes. Ganfeng cites a product range of 320 to 480 Wh/kg for these anodes. A 320-Wh/kg cell has reportedly achieved over 1,000 cycles. The company claims that the technology of the 480-Wh/kg cells is at the forefront of the industry. Ganfeng identifies high-end electric vehicles, the low-altitude economy, robotics, and consumer electronics as target markets. These high-energy batteries are already being used in Aerofugia Technology’s AE200-100, Geely’s eVTOL division. Sources:https://cnevpost.com/2026/05/21/ganfeng-starts-small-scale-production-500-wh-kg-solid-state-batteries/https://static.cninfo.com.cn/finalpage/2026-05-20/1225321744.PDF

BYD Energy Storage and the Norwegian Corvus Energy have signed a strategic cooperation agreement. Their goal is to develop and promote the use of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery systems for maritime applications. The agreement was signed at the 18th China International Battery Fair in Shenzhen. According to the companies, the agreement aims to advance the research, development, certification, and market launch of their joint battery systems. Specifically, they will focus on high-performance LFP systems for use on ships. The partners plan to combine BYD’s cell technology with Corvus Energy’s maritime energy storage system expertise. Corvus Energy states that the new agreement follows a December 2025 memorandum of understanding that established a long-term framework for collaboration on maritime battery technologies. The recently signed agreement formalizes the next phase of this cooperation. Corvus Energy is headquartered in Bergen, Norway. Founded in Canada in 2009, the company develops energy storage systems for maritime, offshore, and port applications. The company reports that more than 1,350 projects have been implemented across various maritime segments. Additionally, Corvus Energy systems are reportedly used by more than 50 percent of ships equipped with zero-emission technology. Source:https://corvusenergy.com/news/corvus-energy-and-byd-energy-storag-strengthen-partnership-with-strategic-cooperation-agreement-to-advance-next-generation-maritime-battery-technology

The PEM of RWTH Aachen University and its research and industry partners officially launched the “Fast Battery Customization” (FastBat) research cluster in Aachen today. The project aims to establish a regional value chain for battery and recycling technologies in Germany’s Rhenish mining region while accelerating the development of new battery systems. According to the partners involved, the German Federal Ministry for Research, Technology and Space is providing a total of €50 million in funding over a three-year period. The cluster is part of Germany’s structural transformation program for former coal-mining regions. Its objective is to transfer research results into industrial applications more quickly while creating new economic opportunities in the region. The focus lies on shortening development cycles, enabling flexible manufacturing processes, and developing battery systems for specialized applications such as agriculture and aviation. At the same time, the research cluster directly aligns with the German government’s High-Tech Agenda Germany, which defines the expansion of battery technology in Europe as a strategic priority. FastBat aims to establish an independent and competitive value chain for battery and battery recycling technologies in the Rhenish region while accelerating the transfer of innovations into industrial applications. In addition, the cluster is intended to strengthen Europe’s technological sovereignty in battery technology and reduce dependencies across global supply chains. Its emphasis on local value creation, recycling, and scalable manufacturing processes addresses key industrial and energy-policy challenges facing Europe. Guests from Industry, Research and Politics LtR: Prof. Dr. Achim Kampker, Dr. Henrik Born, Parliamentary State Secretary Matthias Hauer, Minister Ina Brandes, Mayor Dr. Ralf Otten, Dean Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Schröder Among those attending the official project launch in Aachen were numerous industry and research partners, as well as Ina Brandes, Parliamentary State Secretary Matthias Hauer, and Aachen Mayor Ralf Otten. Together, the participants emphasized the central role of batteries as a key technology for the digitalization and electrification of numerous industries. They also highlighted the importance of transferring technological excellence and innovations into industrial-scale applications more rapidly in order to secure long-term international competitiveness. “Current development cycles are far too lengthy,” said Achim Kampker, Head of the PEM Chair at RWTH Aachen, during the opening ceremony. “Battery research has so far focused primarily on product and process innovations with low technology readiness levels, rather than reducing time-to-market and increasing the flexibility of production systems.” According to Kampker, both aspects are essential, as an increasing number of applications with high product diversity and highly specific requirements are becoming electrified — including agriculture, aviation, mining, and defense applications. During a guided tour of the exhibition booths representing the individual research centers, guests also received detailed insights into the planned activities, research approaches, and objectives of the cluster. Among the topics presented were new concepts for battery development and production, recycling, digitalization, and industrial scaling. Research on Production, Recycling, and Battery Management Center V: “Implementation” FastBat is structured into five research areas. These focus on topics including data-driven simulations, artificial intelligence, and new testing methods aimed at reducing development times. Additional research priorities include solid-state and sodium-ion batteries, energy-efficient manufacturing processes, and recycling technologies for battery materials. Another major focus is the transfer of research results into industrial applications. This includes qualification and training programs, real-world laboratories, and support programs for start-ups. The partner network includes several RWTH-Institutes, the Fraunhofer-FFB, the University Münster, and companies such as PEM Motion, Accure and Cellovate. Sources:PEM of RWTH Aachen University

German company CMblu Energy has completed an initial close of its €50 million Series C funding round, surpassing a valuation of €1 billion. The company is now positioning its technology for data center and AI infrastructure applications. Focus on baseload energy solutions CMblu develops organic flow batteries that do not rely on lithium, cobalt, or nickel and are designed for long-duration, stable energy supply. The company aims to provide baseload infrastructure to support the growing energy demand of data centers and digital applications. SourceCMBlu

At a technology event in Beijing, the Chinese battery manufacturer CATL unveiled several new battery systems and infrastructure concepts. CATL is pursuing a strategy that focuses on using different battery chemistries in parallel rather than concentrating on a single technology. According to CATL, this approach is necessary to meet the diverse requirements of electric vehicles and energy systems. Focus on multiple battery chemistries CATL views lithium iron phosphate as having largely reached its limits in terms of energy density. Consequently, this chemistry is being designed more for fast charging. Nickel-manganese-cobalt systems remain relevant due to their high energy density. Additionally, CATL is developing sodium-ion batteries for low-temperature applications and stationary storage. The third generation of the Qilin battery utilizes nickel-manganese-cobalt chemistry. It reportedly boasts an energy density of 280 Wh/kg. The maximum power output is 3 MW, for a battery pack weighing 625 kg. Compared to equivalent LFP systems, CATL claims the new battery is 255 kg lighter and 112 liters smaller. The new Qilin Condensed Battery is also based on NMC chemistry, featuring a nickel-rich cathode and a silicon-carbon anode. It achieves 350 Wh/kg or 760 Wh/liter. According to CATL, the titanium alloy casing is thinner and lighter. This technology is said to enable ranges of up to 1,500 km. The second generation of the Freevolt hybrid battery for plug-in hybrid models combines LFP and NCM chemistry in a hybrid structure. It is expected to enable ranges of up to 600 kilometers in all-electric mode. Large-scale sodium-ion production coming soon With the Naxtra battery, CATL is advancing sodium-ion technology. This chemistry does not use lithium and is said to offer advantages at low temperatures. According to the company, they have resolved several production issues, including problems with moisture control, gas formation, and material adhesion. Mass production on a GWh scale is planned for late 2026. Source:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/catl-unveils-six-major-innovations-multi-chemistry-systems-to-redefine-new-energy-mobility-experience-302749135.html

At the MEET Battery Research Center at the University of Münster, the “REFlexBatt 2.0” research project has been launched. Its goal is to establish a modular pilot line for the automated production of battery cells. The three-year project is funded by the EU and the state of North Rhine-Westphalia with approximately five million euros. Participating as an industry partner is the German company Safion GmbH. The planned facility is designed to produce different cell chemistries and designs in the initial development phases. The facility aims to support the increasing diversification of battery materials, such as systems based on sodium or potassium. These materials present new and unique demands on production processes. Focus on flexible processes and traceability At the heart of the project is a pilot line with interchangeable contact components. This allows process steps to be quickly adapted when switching technologies. The modular concept is also intended to prevent cross-contamination. The research center expects to achieve shorter innovation cycles and a faster transition of new cell technologies into practical applications. Thus, the individual process steps could be scaled up to industrial levels more quickly. In parallel, a track-and-trace system is being established. Each electrode receives a unique identifier that accompanies it throughout the entire production process. This includes manufacturing, cell assembly, and performance testing. Combined with process data and analytics, this system aims to determine the influence of individual parameters more precisely. Source:https://www.uni-muenster.de/MEET/en/presse/news/Start_Project_Reflexbatt.shtml

The Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM), the Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin (HZB), and Humboldt University of Berlin (HU) have launched the Berlin Battery Lab (BBL), a joint research platform that consolidates battery research in the capital. Their goal is to develop and test new battery technologies, particularly those based on sodium. According to the participating institutions, the lab will be used to develop materials, investigate cell chemistries, and manufacture prototypes. The lab brings together diverse expertise in a single location. While BAM focuses on safety issues and energy materials, HU conducts sodium-ion battery research, and HZB contributes lithium-sulfur system expertise. Additionally, HZB provides BESSY II, an X-ray source for analyzing battery chemical processes. Focus on Sodium Batteries and Technology Transfer The activities center on sodium-ion batteries as a potential alternative to existing technologies. This technology is considered more resource-efficient than lithium-based chemistries. The work in the laboratory is intended to accelerate the transition from research to application.  The infrastructure is also open to external partners from academia and industry. Technology-oriented companies and startups, in particular, will have access to development and testing facilities. The State of Berlin is providing financial support for the project. An additional 2.4 million euros in funding from the European Regional Development Fund has been earmarked for the period from 2026 to 2028. Source:https://www.bam.de/Content/DE/Pressemitteilungen/2026/Energie/2026-03-19-eroeffnung-berlin-battery-lab.html

The South Korean companies POSCO Future M, Kumho Petrochemical, and BEI have signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly develop new battery technology. Their focus will be on an anode-free lithium-metal battery design. According to the companies, this technology will enable higher energy densities and faster charging times. Eliminating Anode Material to Increase Energy Density Unlike traditional batteries, the planned battery does not use conventional anode material. The resulting extra space is used to achieve a higher energy density, which is expected to be 30 to 50 percent higher than that of conventional lithium-ion batteries. During charging, lithium ions deposit directly onto a metallic current-collecting foil. This process is also expected to more than double charging speed. Proposed applications include drones, air mobility, electric vehicles, and robotics, which would benefit most from the increased energy density. Additionally, the technology is said to be compatible with existing production equipment. According to the companies, this will reduce investment costs and process complexity. Division of Responsibilities within the Partnership POSCO Future M will contribute its cathode material technology to the collaboration. Kumho Petrochemical will supply conductive carbon nanotubes designed to improve electrical conductivity and battery life. BEI will then handle integrating the technology into finished battery cells and providing production capacity. The collaboration aims to bring the concept all the way to commercialization. No specific timelines were provided. Source:https://www.poscofuturem.com/en/pr/view.do?num=1005