NAATBatt 2026 Recycling & Lifecycle Management Workshop

NAATBatt will hold its 9th annual workshop on lithium battery recycling and lifecycle management on July 7-8, 2026, at Michigan State University's MEC Center in Troy, Michigan. The workshop will examine the technologies, business models and economic challenges involved in recycling and reusing lithium batteries in North America. Building a secure supply chain of battery materials in North America may ultimately depend heavily on the "urban mining" of battery materials. Learn about the prospects for lithium battery recycling and reuse in North America and meet the companies and experts that are already doing business in this sector. Watch this newsletter for additional information about the 2026 Recycling & Lifecycle Management Workshop and for the opening of registration for it.

Affordable Power Conference & Expo: Innovative Energy Storage for Grids & Data Center

NAATBatt and NY-BEST are partnering on a new conference and expo focused on the energy storage and power generation needs of data centers and grid operators. Affordable Power Conference & Expo: Innovative Energy Storage for Grids & Data Centers will be held on November 3-5, 2026 at the On Center in Syracuse, New York. The Expo will be a free-to-attend event offering companies providing energy storage and energy generation products to data centers and other microgrids the opportunity to highlight their expertise and meet potential customers. The Expo will be co-located with a conference discussing the policy drivers, economics, and innovative new energy technologies shaping this rapidly growing market. Watch this newsletter for more information about this program and for a link to the exhibitor prospectus.

NAATBatt 2027 Annual Meeting & Conference

It is not too early to start planning for NAATBatt 2027. NAATBatt 2027, the 18th annual meeting of NAATBatt International, be held on February 8–11, 2027, at the Westin Rancho Mirage in Rancho Mirage, California, just outside Palm Springs. The NAATBatt annual meeting features presentations by leading consulting firms and market analysts about various sectors of the battery market, in-person meetings of all 18 NAATBatt communities/committees, short Member Update Presentations by NAATBatt member firms, and simply the best networking available anywhere in the North American advanced battery industry. Mark your calendar and watch this newsletter for updates about NAATBatt 2027.

NAATBatt Lithium-Ion Battery Supply Chain Database

The National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR), formerly the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), has released a major update to the NAATBatt Lithium-Ion Battery Supply Chain Database. Developed in collaboration with Avicenne Energy US, the enhanced edition expands coverage to 1,178 facilities and 1,022 companies across North America. New features include real-time production data, detailed construction timelines, and expanded tracking of upstream, midstream, downstream, and recycling activities. The database is available through an online interface or as an Excel download to support strategic planning.

First launched in 2021, the database remains the most comprehensive directory of North American lithium-based battery companies, organized by product line and including suppliers of goods and services used in battery production. The February 2025 update added NAATBatt member professional service providers serving the industry. Updated twice yearly, the database allows companies to submit additions, corrections, or requests for inclusion directly to NLR.

New NAATBatt Website

NAATBatt’s new website is now live! Visit us at: www.naatbatt.org. Certain information and resources are available exclusively to members, and an account is required to access this content. Employees of all NAATBatt member firms should register to gain entry to the private member portal. The portal contains links to special resources and tools. For a guide on how to register and take advantage of this new NAATBatt member only resource, go to: https://www.naatbatt.org/blog/welcome-to-the-new-naatbatt-website

NAATBatt Communities

NAATBatt has 18 active subject matter committees/communities, offering NAATBatt members a way to hear about new developments in 18 different sectors of the advanced battery industry. And here's the kicker: It costs nothing to join a NAATBatt committee and participate in the community discussions. Just sign up here. NAATBatt subject matter communities are the new "water cooler" of the North American advanced battery industry: the place to hear the scuttlebutt about what is really going on. It makes no sense not to join.

Upcoming Meetings:

• March 19, 10:00 a.m. PT | 1:00 p.m. ET – Sodium Battery Community
• March 19, 11:30 a.m. PT | 2:30 p.m. ET – Cybersecurity Community
• March 24, 8:30 a.m. PT | 11:30 a.m. ET – ESS & Data Center Community
• March 27, 10:00 a.m. PT | 1:00 p.m. ET – Battery Finance Community

New Members

NAATBatt welcomes Platinum member Green New Energy Materials (GNEM), the leading U.S. manufacturer and total solution provider of advanced battery separators serving the EV, ESS, and CES markets. GNEM offers a diverse product portfolio comprising both dry and wet base films, with advanced coating solutions including ceramic, polymer, membrane composites, and functional films engineered to enhance battery safety and performance. Learn more at https://www.gnem.com/company

Member Press Releases

EGI Battery Inc. (EGI), a U.S.-based advanced lithium-ion manufacturer, announced the launch of its first American battery manufacturing campus at 300 North Zeeb Road in Ann Arbor, Michigan, advancing its commercial expansion and domestic production of NDAA-aligned lithium-ion pouch cells for drones, electric aviation, aerospace, and emerging technologies such as humanoid robotics.

Click here for the full news release.

NAATBatt members interested in publishing press releases about developments at their companies in this section of the newsletter should send their releases by e-mail to Vivian Yu at NAATBatt by Thursday of each week.

Community Pulse

Tariffs, Trade, and Bankability: Key Insights for the Battery Industry

Legal experts from Snell & Wilmer earlier this week shared with NAATBatt's Markets Community insights on evolving trade policy and financing considerations affecting the advanced battery industry. Troy Galan addressed several regulatory and compliance issues related to tariffs, anti-dumping rules, and marketing practices for battery and battery management system (BMS) products.

Galan noted that companies must carefully evaluate “Made in the U.S.A.” claims, as federal guidelines require that products undergo substantial transformation in the United States to qualify for the designation. He also highlighted increased enforcement by the Federal Trade Commission targeting misleading marketing practices, along with potential exposure under the False Claims Act for companies doing business with the federal government.

On the trade front, Galan explained the process for filing anti-dumping complaints with the U.S. Department of Commerce and discussed recent tariffs imposed on Chinese graphite imports. He emphasized that companies only need to demonstrate involvement in the industry to establish standing when filing such complaints. He also outlined the process for appealing tariff determinations through the U.S. Court of International Trade.

In discussing ongoing litigation related to tariff refunds, Galan suggested that companies with significant claims may want to pursue legal action now, while those with smaller claims may benefit from waiting for additional legal developments. He also cautioned that the government may move slowly in processing refunds and advised companies to review agreements with customers if tariff costs had previously been passed along.

Tony Caldwell also discussed the concept of bankability within the battery industry, noting that reliability, scalability, financial strength, organizational maturity, and well-structured contracts are key factors in securing financing or partnerships. Demonstrating consistent technical performance, a stable supply chain, and a successful project track record can help build confidence with OEM partners, lenders, and investors.

Individuals interested in participating in the Markets Community and contributing to these ongoing discussions are encouraged to sign up using NAATBatt's Community Sign-up Form.

Li-Bridge Corner

DoW Virtual Industry Day: FY26 NDAA Section 842 Implementation

The Department of War (DoW), with support from The University of Texas at Dallas BEACONS program, will host a virtual Industry Day on March 24 from 1:00–3:00 PM EST to outline its implementation approach for FY26 NDAA Section 842.

The session will present DoW’s initial strategy, discuss implementation challenges, and gather feedback from industry partners. A live Q&A will be included, and attendees are encouraged to schedule private meetings with the DoW team to share additional feedback.

Registration is required. Please click here to register at least one day prior to the event to receive the webinar join link. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with the join link. Please also click here to submit any questions in advance.

DoW looks forward to collaborating with industry to secure defense battery supply chains.

Advanced Battery Industry News

The Volkswagen Group is expanding its business model to include stationary energy infrastructure through its ‘Elli‘ energy subsidiary that has connected a battery storage system to the grid in Salzgitter, Germany. The Elli PowerCenter has an output of approximately 20MW and a storage capacity of 40MWh (megawatt-hours). (Source: Volkswagen Group) 

LG Energy Solution (LGES) is not using cathode materials from LG Chem for batteries to be supplied to Tesla, as it was unable to meet the required ‘high energy density’ material specifications. Tesla is using batteries with nickel content raised to 95% in its electric vehicles (EVs) and humanoid robot ‘Optimus.’ Cathode materials with 95% nickel content have over 20% higher energy density compared to existing 90% products. (Source: Business Korea)

Rio Tinto has secured a $1.175 billion financing package from 4 international lenders to support development of the Rincon lithium project in Argentina’s Salta Province. The proceeds will be used to support development of the $2.5 billion Rincon lithium project, which is targeting approximately 60,000 tonnes1 of annual battery grade lithium carbonate capacity. (Source: Rio Tinto)

Hithium is considering building a battery energy storage system (BESS) manufacturing plant in Navarra, Spain with an initial investment of around €400 million ($461 million). The project will be structured through a joint venture (JV) between Hithium and the Navarrese public company Sodena. (Source: PV Magazine)

PowerHive (battery and energy storage arm of Vikram Solar) has launched its VION portfolio of lithium battery products ranging from inverter batteries, integrated inverter-battery solutions, and e-rickshaw batteries. Vikram Solar plans to expand and build 5GWh (gigawatt-hours) of BESS manufacturing capacity by FY27 and 7.5GWh battery cell manufacturing capacity by FY29. (Source: PV Magazine)

Cypress Creek Renewables has acquired a 2.45GW solar project with 2.9GWh BESS in development in Mississippi County, Arkansas from Swift Current Energy. The project will be developed and constructed in 3 phases with all phases expected to be placed in service by 2029. (Source: Cypress Creek Renewables) 

Electra Battery Materials announced that LGES has reaffirmed its partnership with the signing of a binding term sheet that details the updated contract period for the supply of battery-grade cobalt from its Ontario refinery (dated March 6, 2026). The updated agreement includes a firm commitment for 60% of Electra’s cobalt sulfate production through to 2029, keeping roughly 40% of capacity uncommitted. (Source: Electra Battery Materials)

GridStor announced the close of a $120 million financing package provided by lending partners NORD/LB and Siemens Financial Services for its Gunnar Reliability Project, a 150MW/300MWh battery energy storage facility in Hidalgo County, Texas. (Source: GridStor)

Vianode has signed a term sheet to supply synthetic anode graphite for BESS to a North American battery technology company. Under the term sheet, the company will supply 8,000 tonnes of synthetic graphite from its Norwegian facility, Via ONE, with a roadmap to expand beyond 10,000 tonnes a year once the Canadian plant, Via TWO, becomes operational. (Source: Vianode)

Trafigura has signed a binding take-or-pay offtake agreement with Smackover Lithium (a JV between Standard Lithium and Equinor) through subsidiaries of Equinor ASA for the supply of battery-grade lithium carbonate from the South West Arkansas Project. Under the agreement, the company will purchase 8,000 metric tonnes per year of material over a 10-year period with deliveries beginning at the start of commercial production. (Source: Trafigura)

Qualcomm and Wayve announced a collaboration that brings Wayve AI Driver as an end to end AI driving intelligence layer to Qualcomm Technologies’ Snapdragon Ride consisting of system-on-chips and integrated Active Safety software. The effort supports supporting entry level hands-off driving assistance up to eyes-off automated driving. (Source: Qualcomm)

Nscale (U.K.- based AI infrastructure hyperscaler) has raised $2 billion in Series C funding, led by Aker ASA and 8090 Industries and supported by investors including Dell, Lenovo, Nokia and NVIDIA.(Source: Nscale)

NUUVE Japan K.K. announce the execution of a 20-year Merchant Aggregation Agreement with a Taiwanese corporation operating in Japan. The aggregation agreement is for a 2MW/8MWh BESS currently under development in Kani City, Gifu Prefecture. The project is scheduled for grid connection in January 2027. (Source: NUUVE Japan K.K.)

Fuzhou Public Transport Group has signed a framework agreement with CATL that will focus on the development of electric public transportation systems. (Source: Gasgoo)

Kinetic has been awarded 4 contract units in Auckland Transport's Tranche 3 bus services tender, valued at NZD755 million ($442 million). Under the contract, the company will invest over NZD121 million ($71 million) to procure zero-emission buses (ebuses), alongside upgrading depot infrastructure and expanding charging systems across several of its Auckland depots. (Source: Kinetic)

Ormat Technologies announced the commencement of commercial operations at the Shirk energy storage facility, an 80MW/320MWh BESS located in Visalia, California. (Source: Ormat Technologies)

Forsee Power announced it has been selected by Turkish manufacturer Bozankaya for two vehicle programs: an articulated tramway and ebuses. The tramway will be equipped with Forsee Pulse 26 Rail and the ebuses will be equipped with Forsee Zen 55 LFP battery system. (Source: Foresee Power)

Holyvolt (Sweden-based) has completed the acquisition of Wildcat Discovery Technologies (a U.S.-based battery materials discovery company) for $73 Million. The combination brings together materials development and manufacturing technologies in a single platform designed to accelerate how next-generation batteries move from laboratory breakthroughs to industrial production. (Source: Holyvolt)

Xos announced it will begin Vehicle-to-Grid production in April 2026 on an electric school bus (ebus) platform in North America. (Source: Xos)

EGI Battery (EGI) announced the establishment of its battery manufacturing campus in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The facility enables the company to deliver NDAA-aligned (National Defense Authorization Act) lithium-ion pouch cell batteries that will power drones, electric aviation, aerospace, and emerging technologies like humanoid robotics. (Source: EGI)

Peak Energy announced an agreement with RWE Americas to pilot its passively cooled sodium-ion grid storage battery technology that will be deployed in Eastern Wisconsin. (Source: Peak Energy) 

Honda Motor announced that it will cancel the development and market launch of three EV models that had been planned for production in North America due to market conditions. (Source: Honda Motor)

Source: CRU Group

Executive Director's Notes

Advertisements and Announcements

The Department of War (DoW), with support from The University of Texas at Dallas BEACONS program, will host a virtual industry day from 1pm-3pm EST on March 24th to outline its implementation approach for FY26 NDAA Section 842. This event will communicate the Department’s initial strategy, highlight implementation challenges, and solicit feedback from industry partners. In addition to the question-and-answer session, attendees are encouraged to schedule private meetings with the DoW team to provide feedback or express concerns.

Please click here to register for the event, registration is required for attendance. Registrations must be completed at least one day before the event to ensure you receive the webinar join link in advance. After registering, you will automatically receive a confirmation email with the join link. Please check your spam folder. Please add the event to your personal calendar for easy access.

Additionally, please click here to submit any questions you may have prior to the event. This will help us address your questions during the session.

The DoW is eager to work closely with industry to secure defense battery supply chains.