Solid-state & advanced batteries claims multiply; QuantumScape-Honda partnership; CATL sodium-ion mass production; FAW semi-solid production; EV drive unit teardown insights; battery lifecycle and degradation data
Key Questions
What does the QuantumScape-Honda partnership involve?
QuantumScape announced a partnership with Honda R&D to develop solid-state batteries, representing a major OEM commitment toward commercialization.
What sodium-ion battery progress has CATL and Hina achieved?
CATL secured a 60 GWh sodium-ion contract while Hina's cells reached performance levels comparable to Tesla batteries.
How far can the FAW semi-solid pack take the Hongqi EH7?
FAW installed a 142 kWh semi-solid-state pack in the Hongqi EH7, delivering over 620 miles of range.
What does real-world data show about EV battery degradation?
Geotab data links high-power fast charging to faster degradation, while post-2022 EVs show 95% range retention after 5 years and only 0.3% replacement rate.
What happened in the Donut Lab battery scandal?
Donut Lab claimed a 400 Wh/kg sodium-ion solid-state battery that was actually a standard NCM cell, underscoring the need for independent testing.
QuantumScape announces partnership with Honda R&D for solid-state battery development – a major OEM commitment signaling commercialization progress. CATL 60 GWh sodium-ion contract; Hina sodium-ion cells reach Tesla-like performance. FAW installed 142 kWh semi-solid-state pack in Hongqi EH7 (620+ miles). Greater Bay claims solid-state EV battery with 621 miles. Ultraviolette X47 pack teardown; Autoneum composite battery lid; Munro EV drive unit teardown; Dukosi contactless BMS; Waymo spent batteries for grid storage; Geotab data links high-power fast charging to faster degradation. Deep dive into battery recycling supply chain. BYD Blade Battery explained. LFP battery reality check. Comprehensive battery explainer. DIY battery storage build using VW ID4 modules. Q-TRED early thermal detection tech for lithium-ion batteries adds safety angle. Donut Lab battery scandal exposed – claimed 400 Wh/kg sodium-ion solid-state was actually standard NCM cell, highlighting need for independent testing. New: Battery recycling method upgrades LFP to LMFP without full breakdown, improving energy density and sustainability. New: Microcycle aging study on NCA-SiC cells shows shallow cycles (2.5-5% DOD) shift degradation from lithium inventory loss to negative electrode active material loss, relevant for V2G and grid participation strategies. New: Stellantis begins road tests of solid-state EV batteries in a Dodge Charger Daytona prototype, a concrete step toward next-gen EV performance. New: EV battery durability exceeds expectations – 95% range retention after 5 years, 0.3% replacement rate for post-2022 EVs, 90% cost reduction since 2010, reinforcing battery tech maturity. Counterpoint: real-world LFP degradation data shows 90% health at 26k miles on a rental Model 3 in Maui, highlighting that even 'durable' LFP packs degrade faster under heavy use and heat. New: Cambridge lab breakthrough uses mechanical pressure control to double battery lifespan, offering a practical path to longer EV range and reduced mining demand – challenges the 'wonder material' narrative. New: 'Talkative batteries' BMS innovation from Kiel University transmits temperature data through existing terminals, improving safety and reducing cost by 35%. New: Technical deep-dive on sensor placement and density for thermal mapping in EV battery packs – practical engineering insight for BMS design. New: Generational partners with Maverick Diagnostics to bring EV battery health testing to UK workshops, supporting used EV market transparency with 95.15% average SoH data. New: Summer roundup of battery industry developments covers US vs China competition, production expansions, solid-state readiness, sodium-ion alliance. New: Rivian R2 battery pack teardown reveals cost engineering: 776 larger 4695 cells, structural pack saves 7mm floor height, simplified venting. New: BYD Blade Battery 2.0 dispute escalates – blogger claims police report filed after temperature tests; lab retest shows 78.5°C surface temp vs BMS 70.5°C, raising safety and testing methodology questions. New: BMW battery plant nears completion in Upstate SC, assembly starting Dec 2026, reinforcing onshore battery production trend. New: Modular battery test bench from Göpel electronic (500 kW, 1000V, 800A) and Göpel modular cell tester – industrial QA tools for EV battery manufacturing. New: Sodium-ion batteries explained – clear overview of cost/safety advantages, energy density trade-offs, and hybrid pack potential, relevant for EV tech tracking. New: Battery health study shows Kia Niro EV and Hyundai Kona Electric outperform Tesla in retention after 62k miles, with CATL LFP cells leading – challenges Tesla's battery narrative. New: How Robotic Battery Disassembly Works – deep dive on imitation learning for safe disassembly, recovering 80% capacity modules, relevant for battery lifecycle and recycling. New: Toyota targets 745-mile solid-state battery, reinforcing solid-state as next frontier but cost/manufacturing hurdles remain.