Competition for advancements in future battery technology: Europe and the US are lagging behind Asia

In a recent study published in Energy & Environmental Science, the innovation gap between Asia and the West in next-generation battery technologies for electric vehicles has come under scrutiny. The study reveals an increasing polarization between Asia and Western nations, with Asia (China, Japan, and South Korea) systematically focusing on future battery technologies, while Europe and the United States mainly focus on improving lithium-ion battery technologies.

The study, led by doctoral student André Hemmelder, compares patents and innovation strategies across various regions. Innovation strategies, along with the quantity and quality of patents, provide a means for assessing geostrategic competition and the positioning of individual countries in future battery technologies.

Japan and South Korea are focusing on high-energy batteries of the future, while China is addressing both high-performance batteries with high energy density and low-cost batteries. This strategic focus could potentially widen the innovation gap between Asia and the West, threatening the technological autonomy and long-term competitiveness of Europe and the United States in both future high-energy batteries and lower-cost alternatives.

The study's findings suggest that Europe and the United States risk losing the race for leadership in future battery technologies. However, efforts are being made to bridge this gap. In Europe, initiatives like the IPCEI Batteries and EuBatIn projects, coordinated by France and Germany, aim to build sustainable, competitive battery ecosystems and foster innovation collaboration internationally.

In the United States, massive investments by companies such as Tesla, Ford, and GM, supported by government programs like the Inflation Reduction Act, are aimed at fostering innovation and building competitive battery ecosystems. These efforts highlight a growing recognition of the importance of next-generation battery technologies and the need for urgent increases in investments in future battery value chains.

Prof Stephan von Delft, a participant in the study and a professor of business chemistry at the University of Münster, notes that innovation strategies offer insights into political priorities and national funding programs. André Hemmelder, the study's first author, states that these insights can help shape the battery market.

The study does not consider any new future battery technologies or applications beyond high-energy and low-cost applications. Nevertheless, it provides a valuable perspective on the current landscape of next-generation battery technologies and the strategic approaches being taken by various regions. As the race for leadership in battery technology continues, it is essential for Europe and the United States to stay vigilant and continue investing in future battery value chains.