Electric vehicles

With rapid charging becoming common and more powerful for battery electric vehicles, IDTechEx assesses whether this makes fuel cell electric vehicles less appealing in comparison.

Cavotec develops electrification solutions such as chargers to heavy industry (including off-highway). IDTechEx spoke to Cavotec at Bauma 2025 about its newest megawatt charging system (MCS) for electric mining machines.

This article analyzes the significant impact of recent US tariffs on the EV charging market, affecting both the physical charging equipment and the broader electrical infrastructure required to support it.

This premium article introduces developments in lithium-sulfur (Li-S) battery technology.

Tokamak Energy are a commercial fusion startup pursuing the spherical tokamak fusion approach using high temperature superconductors (HTS), a technology which they have commercialized through their TE Magnetics division for other applications.

IDTechEx forecasts the Li-ion battery recycling market to grow to US$52B in value by 2045, given the increasing availability of retired Li-ion batteries over the coming decades. Key sources of feedstock will include electric vehicle batteries, and Li-ion batteries from energy storage systems, consumer electronics, alongside manufacturing scrap.

Sodium-ion batteries are emerging as a promising solution for grid-scale energy storage, particularly in applications like time shifting, congestion relief, flexible ramping, and frequency regulation, where efficiency and cycle life are crucial. While lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries currently dominate due to low costs and widespread adoption, Na-ion offers advantages in high C-rate performance and long-duration storage (4-10 hours). Although installed capacity remains below 300 MWh in China as of early 2025, ongoing demonstration projects and new product launches could drive further adoption. Key players like CATL, HiNa, BYD, Great Power, and Hithium are improving energy density, cycle life, and temperature performance, aiming to bring Na-ion closer to LFP parity by 2026. Additionally, U.S. research initiatives, including the Sodium-Ion Alliance for Grid Energy Storage (SAGES) and Argonne's $50M consortium, are working to develop low-cost, high-performance Na-ion batteries for stationary applications. As cost reductions, scaling, and technological advancements continue, sodium-ion could become a competitive alternative in grid-scale storage markets.

The Future Propulsion Conference (FPC) 2025 was an event that took place on the 12th-13th March 2025. This provides some key takeaways from the event.

Innovation map introduction to direct Li-ion battery recycling and key feedstocks for direct Li-ion recycling.

This premium article provides takeaways from Bauma 2025 surrounding lithium titanate oxide (LTO) batteries for off-highway.

Innovation map of emerging non-volatile memories.

Innovation map of the 2024 storage market - hard disk drives (HDDs) and Solid-State Drives (SSDs).

Innovation map overview of quad-level cells (QLCs) vs hard disk drives (HDDs).

This premium article discusses the market and technology developments surrounding GaN for electric vehicle power electronics.

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.

Fire safety continues to be a key topic for electric vehicles (EVs) as the market continues to grow. In this article, IDTechEx discusses the different types of EV battery chemistry and its impact on thermal runaway safety.

Bauma is the world's largest construction and mining show, held once every three years in the Messe Munchen in Munich, Germany. This premium article will focus on a particular area of note from Bauma: that being the growing development of hydrogen combustion engines in construction. It covers announcements and developments from major engine manufacturers and highlights the expected rollout of HICE technology in machines within the near future.

Innovation map of key players developing advanced and next-generation Li-ion battery materials and solutions.

This premium article discusses current and future electric vehicle (EV) thermal runaway regulations.

Sodium-ion batteries are emerging as a next-generation alternative to lead-acid starter batteries, offering longer lifespan, higher depth of discharge, and improved low-temperature performance. Unlike lead-acid, which suffers from high self-discharge and maintenance requirements, sodium-ion provides a maintenance-free, reliable solution with 100% depth of discharge and faster recharge rates, making it well-suited for stop-start systems. Industry leaders like Clarios are actively developing low-voltage Na-ion starter batteries, while companies such as Paragonage, Nadion, Sodion, Highstar, and Biwatt have already released specifications. Currently in the validation phase, sodium-ion starter batteries are expected to scale from a few hundred units in 2024 to 350,000 vehicles by 2030, achieving a 110% CAGR. While initial adoption will focus on premium vehicles, emerging markets are likely to drive aftermarket adoption from 2027 onwards, positioning sodium-ion as a high-performance, cost-efficient alternative to lead-acid.