Global Scans · Batteries · Weekly Summary

• [New] Although sodium-ion technology is still nascent, its development trajectory is expected to mirror or even outpace that of lithium-ion batteries. Argus Media
• [New] CATL plans to mass-produce its Tianxing II high-density sodium-ion battery, with an energy density of 175 Wh / kg, for use in light commercial vehicles. / China Argus Media
• [New] Several compelling factors make battery recycling an exceptionally attractive investment opportunity: Explosive Electric Vehicle Growth: EV sales surging from 17 million units in 2024 to projected 125 million by 2030 creates exponential growth in end-of-life battery volumes. openpr
• [New] IRA Compliance: To mitigate US regulatory risks, management is leveraging IRA compliance for battery materials, ensuring their supply chain remains accessible to Western markets where Chinese players are restricted. Exencial Research Partners
• [New] General Motors is accelerating its push to localize the North American EV battery supply chain to cut costs and dull geopolitical risk. Bez Kabli
• [New] Refurbished diesel trains are due to begin replacing ScotRail's ageing Inter 7 City High Speed Trains from mid-2027, followed by 70 new electric and battery-powered trains in 2031. RailBusinessDaily
• [New] Chinese giant CATL plans industrial-scale output of its sodium-ion Naxtra batteries in 2026. Vinylone
• [New] Industry giants like Samsung and Toyota as well as startups like QuantumScape and Flint are working on their own solid-state battery designs, while chemistry improvements to more traditional architectures such as Group14's silicon-based concept could match many of solid state's promised virtues. PCMag UK
• [New] The U.S. Department of Energy plans to provide $2.91 billion to boost production of the advanced batteries, including electric vehicles and energy storage. Gray
• [New] Ultium Cells, a joint venture between General Motors and LG Energy Solution in Spring Hill, Tennessee, will invest $2.3 billion to establish a new lithium-ion battery manufacturing plant, creating 1,300 new jobs. Gray
• [New] Looking further down the cost curve, 2026 will see the large-scale commercial application of sodium-ion batteries. Vesta Reads
• [New] Mark Chediak predicts batteries thriving with non-Chinese sourcing, offering entrepreneurs chances to scale storage solutions and integrate AI for smarter grids. THINK TANK JOURNAL
• AB 2440 establishes a comprehensive EPR program for loose and removable batteries, shifting end-of-life management costs to battery producers. JD Supra
• Virtually all net new electrical generating capacity in 2026 will be provided by solar, wind, and batteries according to a new forecast released by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Environment America
• By 2035, China is projected to supply over 60% of refined lithium and cobalt, around 80% of battery-grade graphite and rare earth elements, and approximately 70% of battery-grade manganese. ODI: Think change
• In 2026, renewables and battery storage will account for 99.2% of net new capacity - and even higher if small-scale solar were included. Electrek
• EIA forecasts 69,579.1 MW of new utility-scale renewables and battery storage over the next 12 months. reNEWS - Renewable Energy News
• Solar, wind and battery storage are forecast to provide almost all net new US generating capacity in 2026. reNEWS - Renewable Energy News
• Hybrid volumes surging across Ford, Toyota, and Hyundai, meaning more vehicles with dual powertrains and high-voltage battery systems will be arriving in shop bays over the next several years. Autobody News
• Volkswagen is issuing a nationwide recall for more than 44,000 electric ID-4 SUVs, citing a high-voltage battery defect that could increase the risk of fires. masslive
• Large-scale batteries are set to make up a greater share of Australia's electricity grid than gas by 2027. Australian Financial Review
• By 2027, scanning a QR code on a battery will reveal its chemistry, origin, health status and carbon footprint. The Astana Times

Last updated: 08 February 2026