Electrified Materials (EMCO), a recycling subsidiary of American Resources, has announced its intent to acquire Blackion, a company focused on lithium-ion battery lifecycle management and critical materials. This all-stock deal aims to strengthen EMCO's capabilities in the battery recycling sector, integrating Blackion's expertise into its operations.
September 30, 2026·Charged EVs·Electrified Materials
A recent fire involving a lithium-ion battery storage facility in Los Angeles has reignited public debate and safety concerns across California. This incident highlights the challenges of safely deploying large-scale battery storage solutions, particularly in densely populated areas, and prompts a closer look at current regulations and community preparedness.
As electric vehicles become more prevalent, ensuring the safety of their lithium-ion batteries is paramount. A critical concern is thermal runaway, where battery cells can dangerously overheat, potentially leading to fires or explosions. Industry efforts are focused on developing advanced prevention and containment strategies to enhance EV safety.
The U.S. Department of Energy has awarded Princeton NuEnergy a $50 million grant to establish a cathode-to-cathode lithium-ion battery recycling facility in Commerce, Georgia. This significant investment aims to bolster domestic battery material recovery, enabling the rejuvenation of nickel-based lithium-ion battery manufacturing scrap.
Japanese chemical giant Asahi Kasei has launched a new wet-process lithium-ion battery separator coating line at its Celgard manufacturing plant in Charlotte, North Carolina. This expansion establishes local North American production capability for a critical EV battery component, building on the facility's existing dry-process separator output since 1986.
Japanese chemical giant Asahi Kasei has unveiled a novel lithium pre-doping technology aimed at enhancing the performance of silicon-rich lithium-ion batteries. By integrating lithium carbonate into the cathode, the innovation significantly mitigates the permanent capacity loss typically experienced during the cell's initial charge-discharge cycle, a critical step for improving EV range and durability.
Anthro Energy has commenced construction on a pioneering battery materials factory in Louisville, Kentucky. This new facility is designed to significantly enhance battery safety and support up to 25 GWh of lithium-ion cell production annually once fully operational. The move strengthens the domestic battery supply chain and seeks to improve performance for various applications.
A significant domestic boost for EV manufacturing is underway with the planned construction of a 3 GWh lithium-ion battery factory in North Carolina. This facility, backed by a substantial $100 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy, aims to solidify American production capabilities for essential EV components. The initiative is set to support the growing electric vehicle market, including electric trucks, by ensuring a robust, U.S.-made battery supply.
August 20, 2026·CleanTechnica·U.S. Department of Energy
The type of battery powering an electric vehicle significantly impacts its performance, cost, and longevity. While all EV batteries are fundamentally lithium-ion, their cathode chemistry, specifically whether it's Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) or Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC), offers distinct advantages and trade-offs. Understanding these differences can help consumers make informed decisions when purchasing an EV.
Amazon has entered into an agreement with Electrovaya to integrate the company's Infinity battery technology into its extensive material handling operations. This partnership signifies a move towards enhancing efficiency and sustainability within Amazon's logistics network through advanced battery solutions. The scope of this collaboration could potentially broaden to include robotics and energy storage applications for the e-commerce giant.
Researchers from Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) and Southern Methodist University (SMU) are collaborating on a new solid-state battery design. Their focus is on developing nanoscale films for the interface between the lithium metal anode and the solid electrolyte, a critical step towards improving the performance and safety of next-generation EV batteries. This research could pave the way for more efficient and durable solid-state batteries in electric vehicles.
Flux Power has launched SkyEMS 3.0, an enhanced energy-management platform for lithium-ion battery packs. This latest version introduces customizable dashboards and AI-driven analytics, providing operators with detailed insights into battery charging, performance, and degradation. The update aims to optimize battery usage and longevity across industrial and commercial fleets.
Fast charging introduces significant challenges for lithium-ion battery longevity and safety, particularly the risk of lithium plating. This phenomenon occurs when lithium ions deposit as metallic lithium on the anode surface, rather than intercalating properly, leading to reduced battery life and potential safety hazards. New research explores advanced analytical techniques to detect and manage this critical issue, ensuring more robust and safer EV power sources.