Will battery manufacturing be more energy-efficient in future?

New research reveals that battery manufacturing will be more energy-efficient in future because technological advances and economies of scale will counteract the projected rise in future energy demand. This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution Get Nature+, our best-value online-access subscription $29.99 / 30 days

Is battery manufacturing inevitable?

The inevitability is comforting for bosses in industries from mining to chipmaking. Not, though, in battery manufacturing. Anticipating booming demand for electric vehicles (EV s), since 2018 companies around the world have ploughed more than $520bn into battery-making, according to Benchmark Mineral Intelligence, a research firm.

Why is the battery market growing?

The growth in the battery market is driven by several factors. The rapid adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) is a primary driver, as the demand for high-performance, long-lasting batteries is crucial for extending driving ranges and reducing charging times.

Can the EV battery supply chain meet increasing demand?

oncerns about the EV battery supply chain’s ability to meet increasing demand. Although there is suficient planned manufacturing capacity, the supply chain is currently vulnerable to shortages and disruption due to ge

Can EV batteries become a normal industry?

One way to solve this problem—and turn battery-making into a more normal industry—would be for companies to invest in inventing cheaper batteries rather than making pricier ones at greater scale. Another solution is freer trade. Prices in China, where most of the world’s EV batteries are manufactured nowadays, are down sharply.

Is battery-making a good investment?

Its ratio of capital spending to sales rose from 10% in 2020 to almost 30% in the 12 months to March. In contrast to more mature businesses with high upfront costs, such as semiconductor manufacturing or shipbuilding, long-term returns on investments in battery-making are hard to predict. The technology is evolving fast.