The talk explores essential strategies for scaling battery manufacturing effectively, highlighting innovations in technology, supply chain optimization, workforce development, and sustainable practices. 

This session introduces an innovative approach for testing battery cell lifetimes in automotive applications by devising scenarios that reflect diverse customer behaviors through fleet data analysis. This method captures realistic battery degradation trends under actual driving conditions and bridging the gap between lab-scale cell testing and vehicle-level aging tests. It also addresses the warranty concerns while complementing traditional lab testing environments.

Battery pack manufacturing is a key step in the downstream value chain. It has evolved as the product designs have evolved and presents new and emerging challenges. This presentation will cover the challenges of battery pack manufacturing, ranging from volumes, product variation, and supply chain management, and then look at the future of pack manufacturing from integrating new processes, AI, cybersecurity, and automation.

The critical path on new gigafactory construction projects is typically the design and delivery of process manufacturing equipment. Frequently, key data such as utility demands are not available when they are needed. We'll discuss why this causes projects delays and what the industry needs from suppliers to complete projects on schedule.

Battery cost continues to be a limiting factor in transitioning to an EV driven world. Quality verification tools are key to lowering cost in the cell, module, and pack value chains. Process complexity and low rework-ability amplify the impact of test methods on the bottom line. This talk will discuss recent manufacturing quality system research initiatives within General Motors targeted at improving battery manufacturing while enabling an EV future.

Amid the ongoing discussion of the EV market slowdown, an increasing number of cell manufacturing plants are being put on hold or even canceled. This presentation examines why emerging Western manufacturers are facing such challenges during their cell ramp-up and production, while Asian competitors, particularly from China, steadily advance. It further elaborates the relevance of switching to next-gen production technologies in this highly competitive industry and how it might impact production processes, ramp-ups and production excellence. Furthermore, key factors such as operational excellence incl. OEE and scrap rate performances as well as market shifts will be analyzed and discussed. Conclusively, key takeaways for Western value chain participants to improve battery cell production output and to reduce time-to-market will be given in order to be competitive on the market.

New battery factories are ramping to full-time production. The industry is gaining experience on the life of the original equipment components used in the mixing and rolling processes. Linde Advanced Material Technologies has a portfolio of surface treatments to protect these components against wear and corrosion to retain product quality and extend component life.

A discussion around hiring and developing top talent in the battery industry. Led by Battery Talent Acquisition Leader, Jordan Elkins, this presentation will cover three strategies to increase technical and operational battery talent in your company while also addressing ways to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace.

The talk explores critical site selection factors for companies transitioning to full-scale manufacturing. Whether navigating federal "Disadvantaged Communities," "Justice 40 initiatives," or ‘Energy Communities" requirements—or more traditional comparative analyses of carbon neutral energy sources and costs, talent availability, and logistics—or utilizing economic incentive, a technical Site Selection approach can enhance your ability to thread the needle to unlock an optimal full-scale factory location while securing maximum financial assistance.

Washington’s policy and funding support for U.S. domestic EV manufacturing comes with caveats primarily in the form of steep import tariffs, from the 2022 IRA to 100% import duties on EV’s produced in China. Understanding the underlying “country of origin” rule and how the legal term “substantial transformation” can be applied are key to mitigating costly tariffs and reduce procurement uncertainty.