Home / Total Loss Articles / Total Loss Blog / Bridging the Gap in Battery Technology

Bridging the Gap in Battery Technology

Battery Technology

Bridging the Gap in Battery Technology

In a recent development, two influential Democratic U.S. senators, Mark Warner and Joe Manchin, have raised concerns about the United States falling behind in battery technology research, manufacturing, and the procurement of vital raw materials, as revealed in a letter seen by Reuters. The senators emphasized the urgent need for the U.S. to catch up with Asia, particularly China, which currently dominates the global battery landscape.

The PDF document of this article is available here.

Battery Technology

Current State of Affairs: Lagging Behind China in Battery Technology

The letter underscores the consensus among experts, indicating that the United States trails behind Asia by a significant margin, estimated to be “ten to twenty years behind” in advancing the commercialization of battery technology. China, a key player in battery cell manufacturing, currently dominates the global landscape, contributing to more than 75% of the total production. In contrast, the United States managed to produce less than 10% of the world’s lithium-ion batteries in the preceding year.

China’s dominance extends to the battery supply chain, encompassing critical materials such as graphite, essential for lithium-ion cells. The recent decision by China to restrict graphite exports raises concerns about the impact on manufacturing anodes for battery cells.

The Challenge and the Call to Action

With the demand for batteries expected to grow sevenfold by 2035, the senators stressed the need for immediate action. They advocate for a committee briefing by December 1 on ongoing research and development of next-generation battery technologies to address the current disparity.

The letter underscores the national security implications, as lithium-ion batteries play a crucial role in military systems, including handheld devices, unmanned submersibles, and future capabilities like lasers and hybrid electric tactical vehicles.

China’s Dominance and Global Implications

China’s control over 60 to 100 percent of the mining or refining capacity for critical materials used in lithium-ion batteries raises concerns about the security of the supply chain. The senators emphasize the critical importance of the U.S. leading in next-generation battery technology and exploring alternative chemistries to reduce dependence on Chinese minerals.

This call to action aligns with a global context where the European Union is investigating subsidies received by Chinese electric car manufacturers, and the U.S. has imposed a 25 percent tariff on Chinese-made vehicles. The senators argue that the U.S. must become a leader in manufacturing batteries, secure supply chains, and work towards innovative, U.S.-developed energy storage technologies.

Looking Ahead: The Push for Next-Gen Battery Technology

In light of the current challenges, the senators advocate for a proactive approach to develop next-generation battery technology that is less reliant on Chinese minerals. Their letter signals a crucial turning point for the U.S., emphasizing the need to bridge the gap in battery manufacturing and research to maintain a competitive edge in a rapidly evolving global landscape.

This other article offers more insights into the automotive sector: Flex-Fuel Vehicles A Comprehensive Overview

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Access, first-hand, our main posts directly in your email.

Appraiser Blog

Related Posts

What Is Actual Cash Value in Insurance Claims?

When your car is declared a total loss, the term “actual cash value” (ACV) becomes critical. But what does it really mean, and how does it impact what your insurance company will pay? In this article, you’ll learn what ACV is, how insurers calculate it, the difference between ACV and

Read More >

How to Stop Storage Fees from Cutting Your Total Loss

When your car is declared a total loss, storage fees can quietly eat away at your settlement. Tow yards and repair shops typically charge daily for keeping your vehicle. If your insurance company delays processing the claim, those fees can accumulate fast and reduce the amount you ultimately receive. By

Read More >

Why Total Loss Settlements Are Tougher in No-Fault States

No-fault insurance is designed to simplify accident claims. Instead of pursuing the at-fault driver, each party files with their own insurance company for basic medical and property damage coverage. While this may reduce legal disputes, it also limits your ability to go after the person who caused the accident. That

Read More >