The global competition between automakers, small battery startups, and car buyers is intensifying as the era of combustion engines fades away. The composition of batteries, once a technical matter for engineers, has now become a key topic of discussion in corporate boardrooms and even in government offices. Major companies like General Motors, Toyota, Ford Motor, and Volkswagen are investing in startups to revolutionize battery technology and keep up with the electric car revolution led by Tesla. The ability to master battery technology will be crucial for automakers to stay competitive and determine the future of the industry. The price and features of new cars will be heavily influenced by advancements in battery technology. The focus of consumers will shift towards the features of batteries in cars and trucks, much like how they once fixated on megapixels in cameras or processing speeds in computer chips. According to Hau Thai-Tang of Ford Motor, the battery in electric vehicles will become the new distinguishing factor among brands. Batteries will also play a crucial role in combating climate change by reducing reliance on oil, coal, and natural gas in the transportation and power sectors. Automakers are intensifying their efforts to improve battery technology as demand for electric cars increases, striving to make batteries more affordable and efficient. Currently, batteries account for a significant portion of the cost of electric cars, ranging from one-quarter to one-third. The majority of these batteries are produced by a small number of Asian companies, including those that supply Tesla, a leading electric car manufacturer. President Joe Biden recently urged companies to shift more of the battery manufacturing process to the United States, emphasizing the strategic significance of this move in light of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Volkswagen had to temporarily close its main electric vehicle factory in Germany due to disruptions in the supply of parts from western Ukraine. Other major automakers like Stellantis are investing in startups like Factorial Energy, a small company near Boston. Factorial is working on developing a battery that charges faster, holds more energy, and is less likely to overheat than current batteries. The executives at Factorial are focused on creating a safer battery to improve people's lives. Key officials in the Biden administration have expressed their desire to assist in improving battery technologies in the United States, as they recognize that the country has not effectively capitalized on domestically created innovations. This lack of investment has allowed China to develop a significant industry in this field. The Energy Department is currently exploring options to fund companies involved in battery manufacturing, as well as those supplying essential components and minerals required for their production. There are currently 10 applications under review by the agency, requesting a total of over $15 million to support various battery-related projects. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg recently highlighted the negative impact of a lack of innovation on his hometown of South Bend, Indiana, where the once prominent Studebaker company closed its doors in the 1960s. He stated that innovation is crucial for the auto industry's past, present, and future, especially with the opportunity for America to lead the electric vehicle revolution. One significant change on the horizon is the shift towards using lithium iron phosphate batteries, which are cheaper and more durable than traditional nickel, manganese, and cobalt batteries in electric vehicles. These LFP batteries may not store as much energy per pound but are more cost-effective and have a longer lifespan. Tesla intends to introduce LFP batteries in their lower-priced electric vehicles with shorter ranges. Ford is also planning to incorporate these batteries in some of their trucks sold under the Ion Boost Pro brand for fleet owners. Ford executive Thai-Tang mentioned that these batteries would be suitable for various professions such as delivery services, plumbers, electricians, and landscapers who operate within a specific geographic area. Ford has partnered with SK Innovation of Korea to manufacture these batteries, but they aim to shift a significant portion of the manufacturing process to the United States to reduce geopolitical and logistical costs. However, the LFP battery is not seen as a comprehensive solution. Vehicles from Tesla that utilize these batteries are only able to travel approximately 270 miles on a single charge, in contrast to around 358 miles for similar models that are powered by nickel and cobalt batteries. Additionally, LFP batteries may experience a decrease in power in freezing temperatures and require a longer charging time. Ford's upcoming electric F-150 pickup truck, which has already amassed 200,000 reservations despite not being available for purchase yet, will utilize batteries with a higher nickel content produced by SK Innovation. Tesla has already produced 1 million cells for their new "4680" battery, featuring a unique honeycomb design that CEO Elon Musk claims will provide 16 percent more range in their Model Y crossovers. In 2020, he stated that something is difficult until it is found, and then it becomes easy. General Motors (GM) asserts that its Ultium battery cell requires 70% less cobalt compared to the cells in the Chevrolet Bolt electric hatchback. The company has included aluminum in its battery design. The GMC Hummer pickup, the first vehicle to feature this battery, is now being sold by GM. GM, in collaboration with South Korea's LG Chem, is constructing a $2.3 billion battery plant in Lordstown, Ohio. It is among a minimum of 13 significant battery plants currently being built in the United States. The importance of batteries in auto branding is growing, with GM promoting Ultium batteries in ads. This highlights the need for ensuring the safety and reliability of these batteries. GM had to recall the Bolt due to a battery issue that could cause fires. Numerous car manufacturers are keen to lessen their dependence on cobalt, as much of it originates from the Congo, where it is extracted by Chinese-funded firms or independent workers, including children in some cases. Markus Schäfer, a senior Mercedes executive in charge of research and development, expressed concerns about potential human rights violations, child labor, and difficult conditions faced by artisan miners. The auto industry is particularly worried about the supply of nickel from Russia. A team of 25 government scientists at Oak Ridge National Lab is working to advance innovations in electric car batteries, comparing conventional batteries with experimental cobalt-free alternatives through extensive testing. Ilias Belharouak, the head of the Oak Ridge Battery Manufacturing Center, has set a goal of reducing battery costs by up to 50%, increasing their range to over 300 miles, and decreasing charge times to 15 minutes or less. The Energy Department has allocated $200 million to fund some of this work through seven national labs. Next month, the department will host a virtual event where battery designers can present their ideas to scientists, government officials, and industry executives. US startups like Factorial Energy, Solid Power, and QuantumScape are working on revolutionizing battery construction rather than just changing the materials used. Modern batteries use a liquid solution as an electrolyte to facilitate the flow of electricity. In contrast, solid-state batteries do not contain a liquid electrolyte, making them lighter, more energy-efficient, and quicker to charge. They also have a lower risk of igniting, requiring less cooling equipment. Many prominent car manufacturers are investing in solid-state technology, with Volkswagen backing QuantumScape, a company located in San Jose, California. BMW and Ford are placing their bets on Solid Power, a company located in Louisville, Colorado. General Motors has invested in SolidEnergy Systems, which originated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and is headquartered in Singapore. The timeline for when solid-state batteries will become widely available is uncertain. Stellantis aims to launch mass-market vehicles with these batteries by 2026, while executives from other companies believe the technology may not be accessible on a large scale until around 2030. The first automaker to offer solid-state batteries will have a significant competitive edge. Huang, co-founder of Factorial, mentioned that she and her business partner, Alex Yu, often work through the night to meet technical milestones. She is driven by memories of growing up near Shanghai where the air was polluted. The company's main goal is to work towards a future without fossil fuels, which is also her personal aspiration. Despite currently being located on the second floor, Factorial plans to expand globally and build factories with investments from Mercedes-Benz and Hyundai. In their laboratories, employees in white coats rigorously test prototype cells with focused expressions. Andrew Miller, the chief operating officer at Benchmark Minerals Intelligence, stated that despite the frenzied activity in the auto industry, there may be a struggle to meet the demand for new batteries due to a shortage of raw materials, especially lithium. Miller expressed uncertainty about where the necessary raw materials will come from for all the new models and plans announced by companies in the next three years.