Battery Development

ProLogium and Rimac Technology say they have completed a concept mockup for a new electric vehicle battery. It is scheduled to be displayed at the 2026 Paris Motor Show. A fully functional battery pack is planned for the second half of 2027, followed by vehicle and road testing in the second half of 2028. The collaboration is based on a memorandum of understanding signed in September 2025. ProLogium contributes its cell technology, while Rimac develops its integration into the battery system. Cell-to-Pack: Integration Still Needs Validation The project centers on a cell-to-pack architecture using pouch cells. Rimac says it is developing scalable integration technology for solid-state cells. Areas under evaluation include thermal management, cell swelling management, and cell integration. According to Rimac, several approaches are being evaluated in parallel. Some target higher energy density and lower weight, while others focus on performance. Rimac also aims to simplify the design and combine functions while taking costs into account. Following successful validation in a vehicle, the company expects weight savings and improvements in efficiency and range. Under the current development roadmap, a functional battery segment is scheduled to be presented at CES 2027. A complete battery pack and vehicle testing are planned to follow in the second half of 2028. Source:https://prologium.com/prologium-and-rimac-technology-advance-next-generation-ev-battery-development/

The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft opened the new building for its Center for Energy Storage and Systems ZESS in Braunschweig on October 5, 2026. The center will further develop next-generation solid-state batteries and hydrogen technologies for industrial applications. Germany’s federal government and the state of Lower Saxony invested approximately €49.85 million in the research facility. The building spans approximately 3,300 square meters, including around 1,750 square meters of laboratory space and a 450-square-meter dry room. The infrastructure is intended to support the development of new energy storage technologies and technology transfer. Battery Research Across the Entire Process Chain Research on solid-state batteries spans new materials, production technologies, and industrial scale-up. Sustainability and the circular economy are also part of the research approach. The goal is to develop safe and sustainable battery technologies. ZESS brings together the expertise of the Fraunhofer Institutes for Surface Engineering and Thin Films IST, Manufacturing Technology and Advanced Materials IFAM, and Ceramic Technologies and Systems IKTS. The center also collaborates with industry partners and Technische Universität Braunschweig. The university’s Battery LabFactory and Center for Circular Production of Next Batteries and Fuel Cells complement the research environment. In addition to batteries, ZESS researches hydrogen technologies. This work also aims to further develop materials and production processes for industrial applications, taking economic and environmental factors into account. Source:https://www.ist.fraunhofer.de/en/press-media/2026/fraunhofer-zess-strengthens-technology-transfer-and-sustainable-energy-storage-research-in-germany.html

Toyota opened a new battery development center in Saline, Michigan, on October 1, 2026. The Toyota Battery Center of North America is intended to support battery development and testing for various vehicle powertrains. The approximately 30,000-square-foot facility is located on Toyota’s research and development campus. It centralizes the evaluation of battery technologies and works with the company’s North American manufacturing network. This includes Toyota Battery Manufacturing in North Carolina and Toyota’s vehicle manufacturing plants across North America. Battery Testing for Different Powertrains According to the company, the center covers the entire development cycle, from sourcing raw materials to vehicle applications and recycling. Engineers and technicians will characterize batteries and develop new technologies at the facility. Toyota identifies hybrid, plug-in hybrid, hydrogen-powered, and fully electric vehicles as potential applications. The center therefore supports the automaker’s approach of pursuing several powertrain technologies in parallel. Research Access for the University of Michigan Toyota plans to open access to the facility and its research capabilities in collaboration with the University of Michigan’s Electric Vehicle Center. Other research partners will also be able to use its testing and evaluation capabilities. Toyota is a founding member of the Electric Vehicle Center. The collaboration is also intended to support the training of future battery engineers and technicians in Michigan. Source:https://pressroom.toyota.com/toyota-battery-center-of-north-america-unveiled-at-michigan-rd-campus/

The Fraunhofer Battery Alliance and South Korean partners plan to collaborate more closely on battery technologies, manufacturing processes, and recycling. They signed two memoranda of understanding at Fraunhofer FFB in Münster. The partners include the Korea Environment Corporation (K-eco), Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), and the City of Pohang. Focus on Battery Materials, Cell Manufacturing, and Recycling The planned research with POSTECH and the City of Pohang ranges from materials for lithium-ion batteries to next-generation batteries. It also covers cell technologies, manufacturing processes, recycling, and the circular economy. Pohang plans to provide administrative and funding policy support for collaboration with local companies and international research partnerships. The collaboration with K-eco focuses on recycling end-of-life batteries. The partners also plan to investigate certification and quality assurance procedures for recovered battery materials. Additional research approaches are intended to support compliance with the EU Battery Regulation (EU) 2023/1542. During a seminar in Münster, the participants exchanged information about their research. They also discussed approaches for future joint projects. Testing Under Industrial Conditions in Münster The South Korean delegation also toured FFB PreFab in Münster-Amelsbüren. According to Fraunhofer, the facility provides research infrastructure for battery cell production under conditions close to those used in industry. The equipment is intended to enable testing of new cell concepts, battery materials, and manufacturing processes under realistic operating conditions. The goal is to assess their industrial scalability early and prepare for the transition to high-volume manufacturing. Source:https://www.ffb.fraunhofer.de/en/press/news/Two_Memorandums_Of_Understanding_One_Goal.html

The PEM Chair at RWTH Aachen University is developing processes for the scalable production of multilayer battery electrodes as part of the ProMeBa research project. The project began in June 2026 with partners from research and industry and will run through May 2029. It aims to develop process and equipment solutions that enable industrial production. The electrodes are intended to improve the performance and service life of lithium-ion batteries. From Electrode Design to Pilot Production Multilayer electrodes combine different material and structural properties. This approach is intended to improve ion transport, mechanical stability, and electrochemical performance. The project is therefore investigating materials and layer architectures for anodes and cathodes. Key parameters include the number of layers, their thickness, and changes in material composition between layers. PEM is responsible for developing multilayer anodes and characterizing them in the laboratory. This involves adjusting coating slurry formulations as well as coating and drying conditions. The results will then be transferred to pilot production lines. A modular coating unit is being developed for integration into existing equipment. Two-layer slot-die coating and multilayer curtain coating will be compared under industrially relevant roll-to-roll conditions. The focus is on coating quality, process stability, and scalability. Inline Measurement to Support Quality Assurance In parallel, an inline measurement system is being further developed to continuously monitor the viscosity of coating slurries. It is intended to detect deviations early during production and support consistent electrode quality. Electrochemical testing of electrodes and test cells will provide insight into the performance and stability of the multilayer structures. NETZSCH-Gerätebau coordinates the project under the BMFTR’s B@TS funding call. Other partners include RWTH’s PEM and ISEA chairs, Fraunhofer IKTS, the iPAT Institute at TU Braunschweig, and 8inks Deutschland. Source:https://www.pem.rwth-aachen.de/go/id/buzbym#aaaaaaaaabuzcir

Mercedes-Benz and ProLogium have signed an agreement to test a new generation of battery cells. The automaker will receive priority access to ProLogium’s so-called Gen4 cells. According to ProLogium, the technology is a lithium-ceramic battery designed to combine characteristics of solid-state and liquid-electrolyte batteries. Whether the technology will eventually be used in production vehicles remains open. The cells will first undergo extensive electrical, thermal, and safety testing. These tests will be carried out at Mercedes-Benz facilities and at external testing institutes. The automaker plans to use the results to assess the technology’s suitability for future vehicle applications. Gen4 battery aims to combine characteristics of solid-state and liquid-electrolyte batteries ProLogium refers to the technology as a “Superfluidized Inorganic Next-Generation Lithium Ceramic Battery.” According to the company, the Gen4 platform is intended to combine high energy density, high charging performance, and safety with scalable manufacturing. The design includes a non-flammable inorganic electrolyte, ceramic separators, and a proprietary safety mechanism. ProLogium also cites fast-charging capability, high power output, and good low-temperature performance. Partnership dates back about ten years Mercedes-Benz and ProLogium have been working together since 2016. The partnership has so far included development work and the testing of various cell formats. Mercedes-Benz is also an investor in ProLogium and is represented on the company’s board of directors. ProLogium operates a factory in Taoyuan, Taiwan, where, according to the company, manufacturing processes have been validated at GWh scale. The site produces cells for development vehicles and further testing, among other applications. At the same time, the company is building a facility in Dunkirk, France. The first phase is designed for 4 GWh of annual production capacity. In the long term, ProLogium is targeting up to 44 GWh. Source:https://prologium.com/mercedes-benz-and-prologium-have-entered-into-a-joint-testing-agreement-including-a-preliminary-platform-evaluation-of-of-prologiums-latest-gen4-superfluidized-all-inorganic-solid-state-batt/

Factorial Energy and Mitsui Kinzoku plan to jointly advance the industrialization of solid-state batteries. The collaboration centers on Factorial’s sulfide-based Solstice platform. Mitsui Kinzoku will contribute its solid sulfide electrolyte technology. The partnership primarily targets the transition from development to industrial manufacturing. According to Factorial, the company will remain responsible for cell design and process development. Its role also includes supply chain qualification, line integration, and manufacturing validation. Sulfide Electrolyte for Factorial’s Solstice Battery Mitsui Kinzoku has been developing sulfide electrolytes for solid-state batteries for several years. The company introduced its A-SOLiD electrolyte in 2016. A dedicated production facility is currently being established in Saitama, Japan. The Japanese company’s materials expertise will now be incorporated into Factorial’s Solstice platform. Factorial cites high energy density and improved thermal stability as development targets and characteristics of the platform. Factorial Moves Ahead With Commercialization Factorial reported its first commercial orders for passenger vehicle and aerospace applications in 2026. IQT and POSCO Future M have also invested in the company. Factorial listed on Nasdaq under the ticker FAC in June 2026. Before the listing, Factorial had tested its battery technology with companies including Mercedes-Benz and Stellantis. Source:https://ir.factorialenergy.com/news-releases/news-release-details/mitsui-kinzoku-partners-factorial-scale-all-solid-state-battery

Panasonic Energy has opened a new research and development site for lithium-ion batteries in Kadoma, Japan. The Energy Innovation Square is designed to bring together development activities ranging from new materials to cell design and prototyping at a single location. Around 500 employees from product planning, technology development, and analysis work at the site. The new center covers approximately 24,500 square meters across six floors. Its activities include materials development, prototyping, and analysis of lithium-ion cells. Shorter Path From Battery Cell to Mass Production Development and prototyping were previously spread across multiple sites. By consolidating these activities in Kadoma, Panasonic Energy aims to reduce transportation between facilities, among other measures. According to the company, this is expected to shorten development lead times for the relevant process steps by at least 15%. A new digital infrastructure is also intended to combine data from simulations and physical testing. Process monitoring and statistical analysis are expected to support further improvements in simulation accuracy and cell design. Development for Electric Vehicles and Data Centers Battery technologies and manufacturing processes developed at the site are also intended to be transferred to the company’s international production facilities. Panasonic Energy specifically cites its plants in Nevada and Kansas. The move comes as requirements for battery storage systems become increasingly diverse. According to the company, electric vehicles require batteries with high capacity and durability, while AI data center applications demand higher power output. Panasonic Energy also identifies drones, robotaxis, and humanoid robots as potential future applications for its batteries. Source:https://news.panasonic.com/global/press/en260916-3

CATL introduced its TECTRANS II commercial vehicle battery platform at IAA Transportation 2026 in Hanover, Germany. The modular system is designed to cover different vehicle classes and drivetrain configurations. CATL claims a range of up to 1,000 kilometers and a planned service life of 1.5 million kilometers. The platform is based on standardized battery packs. The number of packs can be adjusted according to a vehicle’s energy requirements and payload. TECTRANS II supports both e-axles and central-drive architectures. The platform is designed for conventional charging as well as battery swapping. CATL Uses Standardized Battery Packs According to CATL, dimensions, electrical interfaces, and communication protocols are standardized. This is intended to allow new battery technologies to be integrated in the future without requiring major changes to the vehicle platform. The manufacturer lists the gravimetric energy density of the current version at 170 Wh/kg. For the largest configuration, CATL claims a range of up to 1,000 kilometers. Megawatt charging is expected to bring the battery to an 80% state of charge within 25 minutes. The stated round-trip efficiency of the system is 96%. For heavy-duty trucks, CATL specifies a design life of 12 years or 1.5 million kilometers. After that period, the battery is expected to retain 70% of its capacity. The safety concept includes mechanical protection measures and redundant battery control systems. CATL specifies, among other figures, an underbody impact resistance of 1,000 joules and lateral crush resistance of up to 250 kN. In the event of a fault, the battery management system is designed to isolate individual branches. Source:https://www.catl.com/en/news/6997.html

LG Energy Solution and Seoul National University have investigated ways to improve the stability of lithium manganese-rich (LMR) batteries. The research focused on gas generation and capacity loss in large-format cells for electric vehicles. An optimized 40 Ah-class LMR cell retained 92.2% of its initial energy after 883 charging cycles. The results were published in Nature Communications. Oxygen Reactions Affect Cell Stability LMR cathodes are primarily based on manganese and do not use cobalt. A problem can arise when oxidized oxygen does not fully return to its original state during discharge. This can cause structural damage and generate gas. The tests indicate a relationship between oxygen recovery and voltage limits. Lowering the upper charging voltage from 4.6 V to 4.3 V increased the reduction of oxidized oxygen from 86% to 97%. With a discharge cutoff voltage of 2.0 V instead of 3.0 V, the oxygen returned almost completely to its original state. Adjusted Voltage Range for 40 Ah LMR Cells Based on the findings, the developers adjusted the voltage range and formation process for 40 Ah cells. A lower formation temperature was also intended to limit gas generation. After 883 charge-discharge cycles, the cells retained 92.2% of their initial energy. LG Energy Solution considers the results a basis for developing larger LMR cells for electric vehicles. Source:https://news.lgensol.com/company-news/press-releases/5222/