Empowering the future of eMobility with advanced battery materials 

The electric vehicle market continues to grow due in large part to the advancement in battery technologies. These advancements are having a significant, positive impact on range, charging times and cost – all critical factors driving greater consumer adoption of EVs. To support the growing eMobility market and customer demands, BASF continues to advance the materials powering today’s electric vehicles and develop next-gen technology to meet the anticipated needs of the global battery market. As a leading cathode active material (CAM) supplier to battery producers, BASF has invested in R&D, increased global production capabilities and formed joint ventures to ensure access to the best technology, talent and expertise.

Tell us what the eMobility industry looks like, especially in North America.  

At BASF, our battery materials business is one that has significant growth expectations. There is a growing trend towards individual mobility, especially in urban centers. At the same time, people are becoming more conscious of their ability to reduce emissions. How to solve those two things? eMobility is the answer.

There has been a lot of announcements from US-based OEMs around investments they’re looking to make to convert their productions from internal combustion engines to electric vehicles. This also means that the North American market has to build an entire ecosystem to enable and support this change. Here’s where BASF comes in - we have the materials to enable eMobility growth.

How does BASF make batteries better? 

BASF’s cathode active materials and chemistry are key enablers to achieve both the performance and cost objectives of EVs that will appeal to consumers. Through R&D and application development, we’re trying to find how to use different raw materials and different metals that are used as feedstock into these products. 

When you look at the chemistry of the cathode materials, it’s really the main lever you have to impact key properties of the battery. Those properties are what enable longer vehicle driving range and shorter charging times. They can also be customized to achieve the right performance and the right cost structure for each customer. 

What are the benefits of having a global footprint across North America, Europe and Asia?  

It’s critical for BASF to have a presence in these regions to better serve our customers. We look to leverage our experience in successfully supporting customers in Asia and Europe and bring that knowledge to North America. We aim to further invest in our customer relationships, our know-how development and our production capacities in these regions.

What role do you see battery materials technology playing to advance the future of eMobility?   

In the battery materials market space, things tend to change very quickly. As eMobility continues to grow and develop, future technologies will be very different than the ones used today. At BASF, we’re developing solutions for our customers for next year, while also looking ahead to develop the technologies that will be needed in 2030 and beyond. 

Check out BASF battery materials to learn more. You can also take this quiz to test your knowledge of battery-powered electric vehicles.