The battery industry is advancing steadily, driven by the increasing electrification of vehicles and the expansion of renewable energy sources. This growth in global demand for batteries is accompanied by technological advancements, as well as strategic and geopolitical decisions, presenting both opportunities and challenges for the battery and electromobility sectors. Key areas such as new technologies, supply chains, sustainability, and recycling are expected to shape the industry’s trajectory in the coming year.
ees Europe, Europe’s largest exhibition for batteries and energy storage systems, alongside Power2Drive Europe, the international exhibition for charging infrastructure and e-mobility, will offer a comprehensive overview of the latest trends and developments. These exhibitions are scheduled to take place from June 19–21, 2024, as part of The smarter E Europe innovation hub at Messe München. Over 2,800 exhibitors and 115,000 trade visitors are anticipated to attend.
The dynamics of the battery industry will witness changes this year, particularly due to supply chain disruptions and raw material challenges. China’s restrictions on graphite exports are prompting European battery manufacturers to optimize production processes, raw material sourcing, and supply chains to remain competitive. The development of existing technologies such as lithium-ion batteries and battery energy storage systems (BESS) is critical, but there is also a growing emphasis on advancing new battery technologies across all stages, from production to recycling.
To reduce dependencies and secure supply chains, diversification of supply chains and the development of new battery technologies are imperative. Alternative technologies such as metal-ion, metal-sulfur, metal-air, and redox flow batteries are gaining attention, along with solid-state and sodium-ion batteries, which offer benefits such as longer storage times and lower costs without relying on cobalt, nickel, or lithium.
The trend towards extending the lifespan of large-scale batteries, primarily lithium-ion batteries, will continue through 2024, enhancing their application potential. Additionally, sustainability and recycling are emerging as opportunities for the European battery industry, with a focus on reducing energy consumption in production processes and increasing local recycling capabilities to support a circular economy.
Exhibitions and conferences such as ees Europe and Power2Drive Europe provide platforms for industry stakeholders to gain insights into market trends and developments. Attendees can participate in conferences and forums to update their knowledge and explore innovations in battery production, recycling, and market insights. The Battery Day Europe event, organized by Coex, South Korea’s largest convention and exhibition center, will also be held in parallel to the exhibition, offering further opportunities for networking and knowledge exchange.
