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A “Technology-Smart” Battery Policy Strategy for Europe
Article

A “Technology-Smart” Battery Policy Strategy for Europe

Batteries’ inherent characteristics should inform policies.

Science, 2018

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Editorial Rating

8

Qualities

  • Analytical
  • Applicable
  • Visionary

Recommendation

It’s changing times in the energy sector, with abundant opportunities to be at the leading edge of emerging markets. This article sounds a wakeup call to the European Union, encouraging it to build out a lithium-ion industry of its own before East Asian manufacturers move in. Although the authors focus on what’s good for the EU as opposed to what’s good for the world, their article provides a valuable starting point for entrepreneurs, established industries and investors interested in gaining a toehold in markets spurred by efforts to decarbonize the automotive industry.

Summary

East Asian companies dominate lithium-ion manufacturing and are poised to move into Europe.

Demand for lithium-ion batteries is growing as fast as the market for electric vehicles. East Asian manufacturers are responsible for the bulk of product advancement and production, and are making plans to expand into Europe. Europe currently holds less than 1% of Li-ion battery production capacity.

The European Commission is calling for European countries to develop Li-ion manufacturing capacity.

To help keep Europe competitive in the automotive sector as hybrid electric vehicles (EVs) gain traction, the European Commission is calling for European ...

About the Authors

Martin Beuse and Tobias Schmidt are with the Energy Politics Group and Vanessa Wood is with the Materials and Device Engineering Group at the science and technology university, ETH Zürich.