Register Now for NAATBatt 2026! NAATBatt International will hold its 17th annual meeting and conference on February 9-12, 2026 at the JW Tucson Starr Pass hotel in Tucson, Arizona. The annual meeting and conference is the principal program at NAATBatt each year. The coming program will feature annual reports by NAATBatt's Chief Science Officer and Chief Technology Officer, market reports on multiple sectors of the advanced battery market delivered by leading consulting and media firms, in-person meetings of all 18 NAATBatt industry committees, and the famous Member Update Presentations by most of NAATBatt's 380 member firms.

NAATBatt recently announced that Joern Tinnemeyer, Vice President Data Center Engineering at Amazon, will give the keynote speech at NAATBatt 2025. If you are interested in hearing from the largest operator of hyperscale data centers in the world about exactly what types of energy storage it is looking for, and why, you need to attend NAATBatt 2026.

Other expert panels presenting at NAATBatt 2026 will focus on raising capital in the advanced battery industry, securing supply chains for graphite, manganese and LFP, tracking and tracing requirements for lithium batteries in the U.S. and EU, and training the battery workforce. Leading market analysts will also present their forecasts for various sectors of the advanced battery market in 2026.

And of course, the networking. This year NAATBatt is bringing back the clay shooting competition to accompany the annual golf tournament. Your choice what kind of shooting you want to do, golf balls or clays. The meals, networking breaks, exhibit floor, spouses and companions program and other activities are all designed to make it easy to meet who you want to meet in the industry and to form good personal as well as business relationships. Don't miss it. For more information and to register, go to: https://nac.naatbatt.org/nac2026 .

Remember: Early registrants get priority in time assignment for their Member Update Presentations over later registrants of the same membership class. So don't delay. Register and make your hotel reservation soon!

NAATBatt recently formed its 18th discussion committee: the ESS and Data Center Committee. This committee will focus on the use of battery technology in all aspects of high capacity stationary energy storage, both in front and behind the meter. The market, technology and regulatory issues facing ESS developers will be discussed and studied. The committee will focus in particular on the energy storage needs and challenges of the rapidly growing hyperscale data center market. The new committee will be co-Chaired by Paul Charles of Charles and Associates and Michael Euripides of SIMBA Chain. Sign up for this committee, and any other NAATBatt discussion committees, at https://naatbatt.org/join-a-committee/. There is no cost and no commitment to signing up for NAATBatt committees. You will only get technology smarter and business wiser by participating in their discussions. NAATBatt discussion committees are the advanced battery industry's "water cooler".

On September 29, 2025, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) released the latest update of the NAATBatt Lithium-Ion Battery Supply Chain Database. This newly enhanced edition marks a significant upgrade from the February 17, 2025 version, now tracking 1,178 facilities and 1,022 companies across North America. Developed in collaboration with Avicenne Energy US, the database introduces several powerful new features, including real-time production data, detailed construction timelines, and expanded coverage across the upstream, midstream, downstream, and recycling sectors of the battery supply chain. It is accessible via an online interface or as an Excel download, allowing for easy integration into strategic planning processes.

Originally launched in 2021, the database remains the most comprehensive directory of North American companies involved in lithium-based battery manufacturing. It categorizes companies by product line and includes any firm that supplies goods or services used in the production of lithium-ion batteries. As of the February 2025 update, the database also includes professional service providers—such as law firms, consultants, accountants, HR specialists, and financial services firms—provided they are NAATBatt International members and serve clients in the battery industry. The database is updated twice a year. Companies not listed can submit their information via the online questionnaire. Corrections or feedback can be sent to LIB.SupplyChain@nrel.gov.

If your company is a NAATBatt member and would like to be included in the database, click here to submit your request to NREL. Please include your company name, name of the principal contact at your company, contact's e-mail address and phone number, type of professional service offered, and principal business address.

Exciting news! NAATBatt’s new website will be launching soon. The new website will, among other things, provide an exclusive portal with links to special resources for employees of NAATBatt member firms. Registration by those employees will be necessary to access the private portion of the new website. So please keep an eye on this newsletter and NAATBatt's LinkedIn posts for the official launch date and details on how members can access the new member portal. Stay tuned!

Reignite Your Engagement and Supplement Your Knowledge: Join a NAATBatt Committee Now!

Serving on a NAATBatt committee is one of the most impactful ways to contribute to the growth of the advanced battery industry while deepening your own professional development. Whether you are interested in policy, safety, workforce, recycling, or other key segments of the industry, NAATBatt's 18 active discussion committees offer a front-row seat to important industry developments and initiatives that will shape the future of battery technology and energy storage.

Joining a committee opens doors to meaningful networking and collaboration with peers, potential customers, and thought leaders across the battery ecosystem. You will gain early insights into industry trends, help guide programming and reports, and contribute to shaping NAATBatt’s direction. It is a rewarding way to engage with new and old colleagues and to make a tangible impact in the battery industry.

Find your fit - view NAATBatt's active discussion committees and join one or more of them today: https://naatbatt.org/join-a-committee/. If your employer is a NAATBatt member, there is no cost to join.

New Members

NAATBatt welcomes Public Benefit member SC NEXUS, a federally designated U.S. Department of Commerce Tech Hub advancing energy innovation. SC NEXUS leverages South Carolina’s manufacturing base and research excellence to lead in grid security, batteries, and workforce development. Partnering with USC, Clemson, and Savannah River Lab, it operates testbeds that commercialize technologies, strengthen national competitiveness, and drive impact. Click here to learn more about SC NEXUS.

Members Press Releases

6K Energy (division of 6K Inc.) has received a $1.9 million Battery Network Program III R&D grant from the U.S. Defense Logistics Agency. The funding supports development and scale-up of sustainable, domestic single-crystal NMC721 lithium-ion cathode materials using 6K’s UniMelt® microwave plasma technology.

Click here for the full news release.

Duesenfeld has successfully defended its core patents for vacuum drying technology used in the recycling of lithium-ion batteries against Volkswagen AG, Ascend Elements, and URT Umwelt- und Recycling Technik GmbH in Europe and the United States.

Click here for the full news release.

Nano One announced that it has received two reimbursement payments for expenses incurred in Q2 and Q3 2025 totaling US$2,841,863 (C$3.95M) from its previously awarded funding agreement with the United States Government. The company also raised C$6,958,700 in gross proceeds from its overnight marketed financing.  

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.

Committee Pulse

Second Life Use Committee Explores “Project Precycle” and New Pathways for End-of-Life EV Batteries

The NAATBatt Second Life Use Committee recently welcomed Aidan Iapicco and Carter McCrae, recent graduates of the University of Waterloo, who presented their research initiative, “Project Precycle”. Their work focuses on decentralized end-of-life logistics for electric vehicle (EV) batteries and the development of viable, scalable second-life applications.

Iapicco and McCrae shared a proposed second-life use case centered on off-grid irrigation farmers in Mexico’s Yucatán region. The concept explores the use of repurposed EV batteries paired with a modified Waterloo pump design to deliver affordable energy for irrigation. The presenters highlighted significant energy and water inequities faced by small farmers, particularly where electricity costs increase sharply after the first 100 kilowatt-hours of use.

The research team outlined two primary objectives: The creation of a decentralized battery diagnostic system and the development of a machine learning–based matching model to align retired EV batteries with appropriate second-life applications. An upcoming field visit to the Yucatán will allow them to gather additional data and further refine the model, with the potential to support emerging startups in the second-life battery ecosystem.

McCrae also discussed inefficiencies within current EV dealership processes in Ontario, noting the lack of established protocols for managing end-of-life batteries. He described how in-warranty batteries are typically returned to manufacturers due to core charge structures, while out-of-warranty batteries often remain idle at dealerships. Their proposed machine learning model aims to redirect these batteries into second-life markets, reducing transportation costs and environmental impact while creating new revenue opportunities.

Interested in advancing second-life battery solutions? Join the NAATBatt Second Life Use Committee to contribute to research, collaboration, and policy development shaping the future of battery reuse. Simply visit the NAATBatt Committee Sign-Up page and select the “Second Life Use Committee”.

Li-Bridge Corner

USABC Issues EV Battery RFPIs in Partnership with the U.S. DOE

The United States Advanced Battery Consortium (USABC), a subsidiary of the United States Council for Automotive Research (USCAR), announced nine Requests for Proposal Information (RFPIs) for the development of battery cells for use in electric vehicle (EV) applications. USABC is issuing these RFPIs as part of a nearly $90 million cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), including $60 million in federal funding provided under U.S. DOE Cooperative Agreement DE-EE0011268.

The RFPIs seek U.S.-based developers capable of industrial-scale, high-volume automotive battery development that meets or exceeds USABC’s commercialization targets. Focus areas include:

1. EV Cells: Development of advanced batteries for EV applications
2. High-Energy EV Cells: Development of advanced high-energy batteries for electric drive vehicle applications
3. Low-Cost, Earth-Abundant EV Cells: Development of low-cost batteries based on earth-abundant materials for EV applications
4. Active Materials: Development of active materials for cells used in automotive applications
5. Separators: Development of battery separators for EV applications
6. Electrolytes: Development of electrolytes for cells used in automotive applications
7. Inactive Materials: Supply chain R&D for inactive materials in commercialized EV batteries
8. Recycling: Battery recycling and enabling technologies to secure U.S. battery material supply chains
9. Prototype Cell Fabricators: Evaluation of prototype cell fabricators for the development of advanced, high-performance batteries for EV applications

Key requirements:

• Demonstration hardware and test results must be available at the time of submission
• Proposers must demonstrate commercial viability, manufacturing scalability, and automotive-grade engineering and testing capability
• Non-federal cost sharing is required
• Research organizations affiliated with relevant commercial businesses are eligible

Submission deadline: February 28, 2026.

Click here for more information.

Advanced Battery Industry News

Ford has launched and is investing $2 billion to scale its battery energy storage business with a goal of deploying at least 20 GWh (gigawatt-hour) annually by late 2027. The company is leveraging its Michigan and Kentucky sites to manufacture 5 MWh+ (megawatt-hour+) battery energy storage systems (BESS). Ford plans to produce LFP (lithium iron phosphate) prismatic cells, modules and 20-foot DC container systems at this facility. (Source: Ford Motor)

SK On is planning to construct a production line for LFP batteries for ESS in Korea and is targeting 20 trillion won ($13.5 billion) in government projects. (Source: The Korean Economic Daily) 

LG Energy Solution has been notified of the cancellation of a 9.6 trillion-won ($6.5 billion) battery supply order from Ford Motor that was signed last year. (Source: Korea JoongAng Daily)

MAN Truck & Bus has been awarded as the main supplier in Deutsche Bahn's (DB) bus contract framework agreement for over 3,000 vehicles from 2027 to 2032. A significant proportion of the vehicles will be ebuses. (Source: MAN Truck & Bus)

De Lijn (Flemish public transport operator) has signed a framework agreement for 500 electric buses (ebuses) with Daimler Buses. As part of this agreement, De Lijn has already ordered 80 Mercedes-Benz eCitaro ebuses, which are scheduled for delivery from early 2027. (Source: Daimler Truck)

Hitachi Energy has signed an agreement with Nordic Electro Power (NEPower) to provide power conversion technology for Finland’s BESS in Haapajärvi. Alpiq (Switzerland-based) is building the 125MW/250MWh facility to support Fingrid’s reserve market. Under the contract, Hitachi Energy will supply NEPower (including a power conversion system, transformers and a SCADA-based energy management system). (Source: Hitachi Energy)

Pacifico Energy K.K. (Japan-based) announced it has commenced commercial operation of a grid-scale battery storage facility developed by the company in the Tokyo area. The company plans to scale operations and achieve 660MW/2.9GWh of installations by 2030. (Source: Pacifico Energy)

e-STORAGE (part of Canadian Solar’s majority-owned subsidiary CSI Solar) will deliver a 408MWh AC BESS to Vena Energy for its Tailem Bend 3 project in South Australia. The project is under construction and is targeted to begin operation in 2027. (Source: Canadian Solar)  

Hyperion Renewables has started construction of battery energy storage projects in Portugal, in partnership with Omexom Portugal and Saft (subsidiary of TotalEnergies). Located in Estremoz and Évora, the projects -16MW of injection power and 64MWh of storage capacity- will be integrated with existing solar PV plants of 29MWp and 52MWp. (Source: Saft)

BYD has been awarded an order for 268 B12.b ebuses by De Lijn (Flemish public transport operator). The purchase is made under the existing framework agreement for up to 500 standard 12-metre ebuses,

(Source: BYD)

Singapore will deploy 660 ebuses progressively from late 2026, costing $322.2 million, replacing old diesel buses as part of decarbonization. The Land Transport Authority awarded contracts to 4 tenderers. (Source: The Straits Times)

Huayou Cobalt announced the signing of a binding MOU with an international customer. The agreement stipulates that the company's subsidiary will supply 79,600 tonnes of ternary precursor products to the customer's designated buyers within the agreed term. (Source: MySteel)

CATL has signed a 10-year agreement with Dongfeng Motor (under the Voyah brand) to collaborate in areas including technology application, product supply and brand co-building. CATL will also establish battery production near Voyah’s manufacturing facilities. (Source: CnEVPost)

BYD is planning to build a factory in San Paolo, Brazil within the next 3 years. The plant would be designed to accommodate electric truck (etruck) production and also replace all existing commercial vehicle facilities currently scattered across the Campinas region. (Source: South China Morning Post)

LAZ Parking has made a strategic investment in Epic Charging. The partnership aims to deploy 50,000 Level 2 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across LAZ's real estate portfolio in the U.S. and Canada.

(Source: LAZ Parking)

Revere Plastics is investing $111 million to expand its plastic injection molded components and assemblies operations driven by demand in the energy storage industry. (Source: Jobs Ohio)

Nissan Motor has started production of the next-generation LEAF at its U.K. Sunderland Plant, which represents an investment of £450 million ($602 million). (Source: Nissan Motor) 

Graphite One (G1) announced it has received amended, non-binding Letters of Interest (LOI) from the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) for potential debt financing. The previously issued EXIM LOI to finance the Graphite Creek Project in Alaska, is upsized to $670 million (from $570 million), while the EXIM LOI for G1's graphite materials manufacturing plant planned for Ohio, is upsized to $1.4 billion (from $325 million) with a repayment tenor of 15 years under EXIM's Make More in America Initiative. (Source: G1)  

Quebec Nickel has entered into a non-binding letter of intent (LOI) with Orogen Royalties pursuant to which the company is proposing to acquire a 100% interest in the Ecru Property, located on the Cortez/Battle Mountain Trend in Lander County, Nevada. (Source: Quebec Nickel)

Sovereign Metals announced that it has signed a collaboration agreement with International Finance Corporation (a member of the World Bank) to advance the development of its Kasiya Rutile-Graphite Project in Malawi. Rio Tinto is a strategic investor in the company. (Source: Sovereign Metals)

ABB has been selected by Vulcan Energy to deliver electrical infrastructure for its Phase One Lionheart Project in the Upper Rhine Valley, Germany. Combining renewable energy generation with lithium extraction and processing, the development will generate battery-quality lithium hydroxide monohydrate (LHM) for the European EV market. Lionheart will have the capacity to produce 24,000 tons of LHM. (Source: ABB)

Ford Motor is taking a $19.5 billion write-down and will no longer produce select larger EVs such as the F-150 Lightning due to weak demand. Instead, the company will focus on smaller EVS and expand powertrain choice; including a range of hybrids and extended-range electric propulsion. (Source: Ford Motor)

SPIE announced the signing of a European framework agreement with Tesla relating to the implementation of BESS projects. The agreement has a renewable term of 3 years, applies to all European SPIE group subsidiaries with BESS installation expertise. (Source: SPIE)

The Ontario government has launched the $500 million Critical Minerals Processing Fund (CMPF). The CMPF will strengthen the province’s position by ensuring critical minerals mined in Ontario are processed and refined in Ontario, by Ontario workers. (Source: Invest Ontario)

Stellantis (FCA US) has been granted a patent for an EV battery thermal-runaway built-in suppression system by the United States Patent and Trademark Office. (Source: Mopar Insiders)  

The Bureau of Land Management has approved the expansion of lithium exploration by HiTech Minerals over the course of 5 years in Malheur County, Oregon. (Source: KATU)

The European Commission has fined Exide, FET (including its predecessor Elettra) and Rombat, as well as the EUROBAT trade association, a total of around €72 million ($84 million) for participating in a cartel concerning automotive starter batteries, together with Clarios (formerly JC Autobatterie), in breach of EU antitrust rules. (Source: European Commission)

6K Energy has been awarded a $1.9 million Battery Network Program III R&D grant from the U.S. Defense Logistics Agency. The award will accelerate domestic production of lithium-ion battery materials through the development of single-crystal NMC721 cathode powders using the company’s UniMelt® microwave plasma process. (Source: 6K)

HiTHIUM has unveiled the ∞Power8 6.9MW/55.2MWh, 8-hour-native battery energy storage solution. Built on an 8-hour long-duration energy storage system architecture and supported by a dedicated 8-hour battery cell, the solution supports a continuous, all-weather renewable power supply. (Source: HiTHIUM)

India's International Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy and New Materials (ARCI) has signed a MOU with Voltasun Technologies for sodium-ion battery technology developed by ARCI. (Source: Ministry of Science & Technology)

Executive Director's Notes

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