The Future of Lithium-Ion Batteries: How the US is Moving Towards Self-Sufficiency
The US is taking significant steps towards becoming self-sufficient in lithium-ion battery production, with a new manufacturing complex in Augusta, Georgia, set to play a key role in the development of the industry. The site, which will be the largest production facility in North America for battery-grade polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), a vital cathode binding material for lithium-ion cells, is expected to produce enough PVDF for over 5 million electric vehicle (EV) batteries a year at full capacity.
The lithium-ion battery industry is set to play a crucial role in the US’s transition to electric vehicles.
The new facility, which is being developed by Syensqo, will use a patented suspension PVDF product called Solef, which can be used for all lithium-ion batteries and outperforms competing formulations when used in nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) cells, traditionally preferred by many EV makers.
The Importance of Localising the Supply Chain
Localising battery production in the southeastern US, part of a region increasingly referred to as the American battery belt, makes sense as part of moves to electrify transportation in North America. The region is already home to a number of major automotive manufacturers, and the development of a local battery industry will help to reduce reliance on imports and improve the overall efficiency of the supply chain.
The growth of the electric vehicle market is driving demand for lithium-ion batteries.
The development of the US battery industry is also being driven by government policy, with the Biden administration setting a target of 50% of new car sales being electric by 2030. This has led to a number of major manufacturers, including Ford and General Motors, announcing significant investments in EV production in the US.
The Role of Solid-State Batteries
One of the innovations that Syensqo hopes to support is the advent of solid-state batteries, which are expected to deliver new levels of EV performance. Semi-solid-state batteries are already in development, and these will require PVDF not only as a binder for cathode materials but also to encapsulate battery electrolytes.
Solid-state batteries are expected to play a key role in the development of the electric vehicle market.
The development of solid-state batteries is seen as a key step towards improving the range and efficiency of EVs, and a number of major manufacturers are already investing heavily in the technology. The use of PVDF in these batteries will be crucial, and the development of a local supply chain will help to reduce reliance on imports and improve the overall efficiency of the industry.
Conclusion
The development of the US lithium-ion battery industry is a crucial step towards reducing the country’s reliance on imports and improving the overall efficiency of the supply chain. The new manufacturing complex in Augusta, Georgia, will play a key role in this process, and the use of PVDF in solid-state batteries will be crucial in improving the range and efficiency of EVs. As the US continues to transition towards electric vehicles, the development of a local battery industry will be essential in supporting this growth.
