Hitachi, Ltd

Ionic Materials

Ionic Materials, a Massachusetts-based startup founded in 2012, emerged as a promising innovator in the field of solid-state battery technology. The company focused on developing solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) and advanced materials for lithium-ion batteries. Despite its technological breakthroughs and significant industry partnerships, Ionic Materials ceased operations in mid-2024 due to financial difficulties and the competitive nature of the advanced battery sector.

Hitachi Zosen Corporation

Hitachi Zosen, a Japanese industrial manufacturer, has been actively developing solid-state lithium-ion batteries for over a decade. Hitachi Zosen began its research into solid-state batteries in 2006, focusing on leveraging its expertise in powder compression technologies. Initially, the company developed a low-cost method to create pellet-type cells.

ABB: Batteries & Drivetrains for Off-Highway

ABB is a leader in battery and drivetrain systems for the electrification of off-highway machines (construction and mining). IDTechEx spoke to ABB at Bauma 2025 about its newest innovations in this space.

POSCO: Green Steel

POSCO is a Korean iron and steel manufacturer and the world's seventh largest steelmaker. The company has developed new technologies for ironmaking to replace the traditional blast furnace process. This company profile will focus on the FINEX and HyREX technologies.

Magnetic Materials That Could Replace Rare Earths in EV Motors

Many will be aware of the concerns around rare earth materials, such as price volatility and environmental impact. One way to alleviate concerns is by adopting magnetic materials that do not contain rare earths. Based on IDTechEx's latest research report on "Electric Motors for Electric Vehicles 2025-2035: Technologies, Materials, Markets, and Forecasts", this article will cover some of the most promising alternatives and their trade-offs.

Tetronics

Tetronics is a UK-based company that has developed a plasma technology for industrial heating, critical material recovery, and green hydrogen production. IDTechEx attended Tetronics' presentation at the Hydrogen Technology Expo in Hamburg. This company profile will primarily focus on hydrogen production, but also highlight some other applications of its technology.