Core Insights - Flux Power Holdings, Inc. has received a significant purchase order from a major U.S. airline for 120 units of its G80-420 lithium-ion battery packs, valued at over $2 million, to be delivered throughout 2025 [1][2][3] - The order signifies a shift towards data-enabled, zero-emission equipment in airport operations, despite challenges from trade policies and economic pressures [2][3] - The G80-420 battery packs are designed for high-intensity ground support equipment (GSE) applications, featuring modular architecture for fast service and embedded telematics for real-time insights [4][5] Company Overview - Flux Power specializes in advanced lithium-ion energy storage solutions for various sectors, including airport ground support equipment, offering a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional energy sources [7] - The company emphasizes the integration of intelligence, adaptability, and serviceability in its energy platform, aiming to enhance operational efficiency and sustainability for its customers [5][7] Partnership and Collaboration - The order was secured through collaboration with Averest, a key player in the GSE space, which has a strong understanding of airport fleet challenges [3][4] - Averest focuses on providing customized electric power solutions for the aviation industry, contributing to the transition towards cleaner energy systems [6]

Core Insights - Aqua Metals, Inc. is showcasing its innovative lithium battery recycling technology at NAATBatt's Eighth Annual Workshop, emphasizing its scalable, cost-effective, and safer alternative to traditional hydro recycling methods [1][3][6] Company Overview - Aqua Metals operates an Innovation Center in the Tahoe-Reno Industrial Center, producing battery-grade lithium carbonate, nickel, and cobalt products at a commercial pilot scale [2] - The company claims its recycled lithium carbonate output is among the highest in North America from a true closed-loop battery recycling process [2] Technology and Benefits - The proprietary AquaRefining™ technology offers a novel solution that enhances worker safety, economic efficiency, and environmental performance compared to traditional hydro-based recycling processes [3][4] - This clean recycling technology supports the reshoring of critical minerals processing, contributing to American job growth and economic resilience [4] Event Details - The exclusive tour of Aqua Metals' facility will take place on July 31, 2025, providing workshop participants with insights into advanced lithium battery recycling operations [1][6] - The NAATBatt Annual Workshop will gather industry leaders to discuss innovations in lithium battery reuse, recycling, and market development [6] Product Highlights - The facility has produced various products, including battery-grade lithium carbonate, cobalt metal, nickel metal, and mixed hydroxide precipitate (MHP) [9] - The pilot plant has accumulated over 4,000 hours of operational runtime, showcasing significant reductions in waste streams and improved economic efficiencies [9]

Market Overview - Battery energy storage system (BESS) capacity is predicted to grow substantially between now and 2034[8] - The global energy storage forecast includes growth in the C&I, Residential, and Utility sectors[10] Shoals' Competitive Advantages - Shoals has decades of experience navigating the energy transition[6] - Shoals' strengths in the BESS market are underpinned by product offering, customer book overlap, and innovation and partnership[19] BESS Solutions Portfolio - Shoals offers flexible, scalable components for performance, safety, and longevity in BESS solutions, including combiners & recombiners, multi-load break disconnects, custom solutions, and wiring solutions[12] Target Customers - Shoals' target customers include EPCs, systems integrators, OEMs & technology partners, and datacenter customers[16, 17]

Investment Rating - The report initiates CATL-H with an Overweight (OW) rating and a price target (PT) of HK$400, indicating a 25% upside from the previous close. CATL-A is upgraded to OW with a PT of Rmb370 from Not Rated [2][6]. Core Insights - The Chinese EV battery supply chain stocks have rebounded by 8-17% since April, driven by CATL-H's strong performance post-listing and ongoing investment interest in solid-state batteries [2]. - Industry capacity utilization rates have improved, with key players achieving over 80% utilization in the second half of 2024, leading to a new capital expenditure (capex) cycle [5][10]. - Battery prices have stabilized after significant declines, with some players in the energy storage system (ESS) segment experiencing price recovery due to strong demand [5][10]. Summary by Sections Industry Capacity Utilization - The report notes a recovery in industry capacity utilization rates, with improvements seen in 2024, particularly in the second half, driven by better-than-expected demand for EVs and ESS [10][12]. - A significant increase in new orders for battery equipment is anticipated in 2025, with top suppliers expecting over a 45% increase compared to 2024 [5][12]. Battery Prices and Market Dynamics - Battery prices for lithium iron phosphate (LFP) and nickel-cobalt-manganese (NCM) have decreased by 40-60% from their peak in late 2022/early 2023, but have stabilized in 2024 despite a further 20% drop in lithium carbonate prices [5][10]. - Select ESS battery manufacturers have seen a small price recovery, attributed to robust domestic and international demand [5]. Financial Performance and Projections - CATL's shipments for EV and ESS batteries are projected to reach 475 GWh in 2024, up from 390 GWh in 2023, with a strong performance expected in the second half of 2024 [31]. - The report provides a detailed comparison of battery makers' financial results, highlighting CATL's gross profit margin (GPM) improvements and net profit per unit stability [35][40]. Market Share and Competitive Landscape - CATL continues to dominate the Chinese EV battery market, with a significant share in both domestic and overseas markets, while competition remains intense among local players [7][38]. - The report discusses the implications of Chinese OEMs shortening payment terms to suppliers, expressing skepticism about its impact on material suppliers' cash flow [5].

Summary of Key Takeaways from Battery Value Chain Conference Industry Overview - The conference focused on the global battery value chain, highlighting opportunities and risks within the industry, particularly in the context of electric vehicle (EV) and energy storage systems (ESS) demand [1][10]. Key Insights on Demand - **China's Battery Demand**: Remains robust with a projected growth of 40% year-over-year in 2025. The penetration of EVs in China is expected to reach 55-60% by 2025, with CATL holding a 44% market share [2][24]. - **Europe and US Markets**: Europe is showing improvement, but the US market is lagging. Samsung SDI anticipates only marginal growth in EV battery demand in the US, while ESS demand is expected to rise by 10-15% quarter-over-quarter [2][8]. - **Emerging Applications**: The EV truck market in China is projected to grow at a CAGR of 30% over the next five years, with significant opportunities in commercial vehicles [12][25]. Company-Specific Insights CATL - **Production Capacity**: CATL plans to triple its production capacity to reach 2TWh by 2030, with a CAGR of 20% [3][8]. - **Profitability**: CATL's net profit margins are expected to remain in the mid-teens, with stable unit profit guidance [4][27]. - **Technological Advancements**: Continues to improve battery energy density, lifecycle, and charging speed, while also exploring battery swapping solutions [5][27]. LG Energy Solution (LGES) - **Revenue Growth**: LGES has revised its full-year growth target to flat year-over-year due to tariffs and cautious OEM orders [2][8]. - **Capacity Plans**: LGES plans to mass-produce LFP ESS batteries in the US by 2Q25, with a focus on increasing plant utilization [21][28]. - **Profit Margins**: Expected to maintain mid-single-digit operating profit margins, with a potential low-single-digit loss if excluding AMPC costs [4][26]. Samsung SDI - **Market Performance**: Samsung SDI expects marginal growth in EV battery demand and a revenue increase of 10-15% for ESS batteries in 2Q25 [2][29]. - **Capacity Expansion**: Targeting a total large battery capacity of 120GWh by 2027, with significant contributions from its joint venture with GM [17][29]. - **Profitability Outlook**: Operating profit margins for large batteries are expected to improve to mid-to-high single digits [4][29]. Tianqi Lithium - **Production Plans**: Tianqi has no plans to reduce production despite potential losses due to high spodumene prices. It expects a reversal in supply-demand dynamics by 2026-2027 [6][24]. - **Market Conditions**: The company anticipates a reasonable lithium carbonate price range of US$15k-20k per ton [6][24]. Investment Implications - **Positive Outlook for CATL**: The company is expected to outperform due to its strong market position and aggressive capacity growth [8][23]. - **Cautious Stance on Korean Stocks**: Despite declining valuations, revenue growth and margins for Korean companies are expected to remain pressured in the near term [8][23]. Additional Considerations - **Battery Chemistry Trends**: Companies are increasingly focusing on LFP and lithium manganese-rich (LMR) chemistries to reduce reliance on traditional supply chains [21][22]. - **Solid-State Battery Development**: Companies are advancing in solid-state battery technology, with mass production targets set for 2027 and beyond, although high initial costs remain a barrier [20][22]. This summary encapsulates the critical insights and trends discussed during the battery value chain conference, providing a comprehensive overview of the current state and future outlook of the battery industry.

DALIAN, China, June 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CBAK Energy Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ: CBAT) ("CBAK Energy" or the "Company"), a leading manufacturer of lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries and comprehensive electric energy solutions in China, today announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary, China BAK Asia Holdings Limited ("China BAK"), has entered into a significant strategic partnership (the “Partnership”) with Anker Innovations Technology Co., Ltd. (Shenzhen Stock Exchange: 300866, “Anker Innovations”) ...

Core Insights - U Power Limited has signed its first agreement with an Electric Service Provider (ESP) in Macau to deploy UOTTA battery-swapping stations and sell compatible electric vehicles [1][4] - The ESP will handle the installation and maintenance of the battery-swapping stations and cabinets, while U Power will collaborate with the ESP to facilitate sales and after-sale maintenance of battery-swapping vehicles [2][3] - Over the next three years, the ESP partner anticipates purchasing approximately 600 four-wheeled and 5,000 two-wheeled battery-swapping vehicles [3] Company Overview - U Power is a provider of electric vehicle (EV) battery-swapping solutions, utilizing its proprietary UOTTA technology [5] - The company manufactures and sells various models of UOTTA battery-swapping stations and offers battery-swapping services for vehicle drivers [5][6] - U Power aims to become a comprehensive solutions provider for smart energy grids, investing in next-generation technologies to create intelligent ecosystems [6]

Battery Production & Technology - Tesla is completing a new LFP battery cell factory in Sparks, Nevada [1] - The factory will produce lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cells, which are safer and more affordable [1] Strategic Importance - Elon Musk calls the facility "vital to America," highlighting its importance to domestic battery production [1] - The initiative represents a major step toward U S energy independence [1]

Company Overview - Ultralife Corporation, founded in 1990, is headquartered in Newark, NY, and specializes in power solutions, including rechargeable and non-rechargeable batteries, charging systems, communications and electronics systems, and accessories [1]. Market Position - The company serves a global customer base, including industrial sectors, indicating a diverse market presence [1].

Flash | 27 Jun 2025 05:44:05 ET │ 9 pages China Battery Materials China Battery Supply Chain on the Ground: Jul-25 Production Plan Preview CITI'S TAKE Our channel checks with ZE Consulting suggest that Top-5 battery makers' production pipeline is estimated to be up by 6% MoM / 48% YoY. Within that, ZE Consulting estimates the production pipeline of CATL and BYD to be +13% MoM and -4% MoM, respectively. Our read-through is as follows – (1) CATL's massive improvement in production pipeline might be attributab ...