The global competition over battery technology in the automotive industry is of great importance for automakers, small battery startups, and consumers. As the era of combustion engines comes to an end, car buyers will soon have a wide variety of electric vehicles to choose from, each powered by different types of batteries. The chemical composition of these batteries, once a technical matter for engineers, has now become a major topic of discussion in the corporate offices of major car manufacturers like General Motors, Toyota, Ford Motor, and Volkswagen, as well as in the government. With government support, these companies are partnering with startups to innovate and improve battery technology in order to keep up with the electric car revolution led by companies like Tesla. The success of automakers in mastering battery technology will play a key role in determining their success in the market, as batteries will influence the price and features of new vehicles. Similar to how consumers used to focus on things like megapixels in cameras or processing speeds in computer chips, the key selling point for cars and trucks will now be the features of their batteries. According to Hau Thai-Tang of Ford Motor, the battery in electric vehicles will be the new distinguishing factor among brands. This shift is crucial in the fight against climate change, as batteries will help transition vehicles and the power sector away from fossil fuels. As demand for electric cars rises, automakers are working to improve battery technology and make it more affordable. Today, electric car batteries can account for up to 25-33% of the total cost, with a majority being produced by Asian companies. Even Tesla, a leading electric car manufacturer, depends on Asian suppliers and is looking to increase internal manufacturing. President Joe Biden recently urged companies to shift more of the battery supply chain to the US, a move highlighted by Russia's invasion of Ukraine as strategically important. Volkswagen had to close its main electric vehicle factory in Germany temporarily due to disruptions in the supply of parts from western Ukraine. Major auto companies like Stellantis are investing in startups like Factorial Energy, a small company based near Boston. Factorial Energy is working on developing a battery that charges faster, holds more energy, and is less likely to overheat than current batteries. Co-founder Siyu Huang is 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 have recognized that the country has not effectively utilized innovations in this area. This has led to the growth of a significant battery industry in China. The Energy Department is currently considering providing funding to companies involved in battery production or the supply of necessary components and minerals. The agency has received over 10 applications requesting more than $15 million in total for battery-related projects. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg recently highlighted the negative impact of a lack of innovation on his hometown of South Bend, Indiana, once the location of the now-defunct Studebaker company. "Innovation is crucial for the auto industry in the past, present, and future, especially with the potential for the United States to lead the electric vehicle revolution," he stated. A significant change that is on the horizon is the composition of batteries, with some automakers such as Tesla and Ford opting for lithium iron phosphate batteries in some vehicles instead of the traditional nickel, manganese, and cobalt batteries used in most electric vehicles. While these LFP batteries may not have the same energy storage capacity per pound, they are more cost-effective and have a longer lifespan. Tesla is planning to use LFP batteries in their shorter-range, lower-priced electric vehicles, while Ford intends to incorporate them in some trucks for fleet owners under the Ion Boost Pro brand. Ford executive Thai-Tang mentioned that the trucks could be used for delivery or by professionals working in a specific area. Ford is partnering with SK Innovation of Korea to manufacture the batteries, with plans to eventually move production to the United States in order to reduce costs and challenges. However, it is noted that the LFP battery is not a comprehensive solution. Vehicles from Tesla that utilize these batteries can travel approximately 270 miles on a single charge, in comparison to around 358 miles for similar models powered by nickel and cobalt batteries. Additionally, LFP batteries may lose some power in freezing temperatures and require longer charging times. Ford's upcoming electric F-150 pickup truck, with 200,000 reservations already made, will use batteries containing a higher proportion of energy-dense nickel from SK Innovation. Tesla has produced 1 million cells for its new "4680" battery, featured in the Model Y crossovers, with CEO Elon Musk claiming a 16 percent increase in range due to its unique honeycomb design. In 2020, he mentioned that something is difficult until it is found, and then it becomes easy. General Motors states that their Ultium battery cell requires 70% less cobalt compared to the cells in the Chevrolet Bolt electric hatchback. They have also included aluminum in their battery design. The GMC Hummer pickup, recently launched by GM, is the first vehicle to utilize this battery technology. GM, in collaboration with LG Chem from South Korea, is constructing a $2.3 billion battery plant in Lordstown, Ohio. It is one of a minimum of 13 significant battery factories being built in the United States. The importance of batteries in auto branding is growing, as evidenced by GM's advertising of Ultium batteries. Ensuring the reliability and safety of these batteries is crucial. GM recently had to recall the Bolt due to a battery defect that could cause fires. Automakers are keen to reduce their dependence on cobalt, as much of it originates from the Congo, where it is mined by Chinese-backed companies or freelance workers, including children. Markus Schäfer, a senior Mercedes executive in charge of research and development, expressed the major concern of the potential violation of human rights, child labor, and difficult conditions for artisan miners. The auto industry is particularly worried about nickel as Russia is a key supplier of the metal. A group of approximately 25 government scientists at Oak Ridge National Lab is working to advance these innovations. They are comparing conventional electric car batteries with a cobalt-free alternative by charging and discharging them over weeks to assess their performance. Ilias Belharouak, in charge of the Oak Ridge Battery Manufacturing Center, has set a goal to reduce battery costs by up to 50%, increase their range to over 300 miles, and decrease charge times to 15 minutes or less. The Energy Department has provided $200 million to fund some of this research, and a "virtual pitchfest" will be held next month for battery designers to present ideas to scientists, government officials, and industry executives. Factorial Energy and other US startups are working on revolutionizing battery construction, rather than simply changing their ingredients. Current batteries use a liquid solution as an electrolyte to allow electricity to flow between components. However, solid-state batteries do not have a liquid electrolyte, making them lighter, able to store more energy, and charge faster. They are also less likely to ignite, requiring less cooling equipment. Many car manufacturers are investing in solid-state technology, with Volkswagen backing QuantumScape in California. BMW and Ford are placing their bets on Solid Power, a company headquartered in Louisville, Colorado. GM has chosen to invest in SolidEnergy Systems, a company originating from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and located in Singapore. The arrival date of solid-state batteries remains uncertain. Stellantis has expressed its aim to launch mass-market vehicles equipped with these batteries by 2026, while other industry executives predict that the technology may not be widely accessible until around 2030. Whichever automaker is the first to introduce solid-state batteries will gain a significant competitive edge. Huang, the co-founder of Factorial, mentioned that she and her partner, Alex Yu, often work through the night to reach technical goals. She is driven by memories of the polluted air in her hometown near Shanghai and the company's mission to work towards a fossil-free future. Factorial, supported by investments from Mercedes-Benz and Hyundai, aims to expand globally despite currently operating on a small scale. Employees in white coats can be seen testing prototype cells in the company's laboratories. Andrew Miller, the chief operating officer at Benchmark Minerals Intelligence, stated that despite the frenzied activity in the auto industry, there could be a struggle to meet the demand for new batteries due to difficulties in mining and processing raw materials, especially lithium. Miller expressed uncertainty about where the necessary raw materials will come from for the ambitious plans announced by various companies in the next three years.