Yazılar

Chinese battery stocks tumble after new export controls tighten grip on EV supply chain

/in /tarafından

Chinese battery shares fell sharply on Friday after Beijing announced new export controls on lithium battery materials and technology, deepening its hold on a supply chain vital to global electric vehicle (EV) and energy storage industries.

The Ministry of Commerce said exporters of certain high-end lithium-ion batteries, cathode and graphite anode materials, and related technical know-how will now require permits starting November 8. The move follows China’s expanded restrictions on rare earths, escalating tensions with the United States ahead of a potential meeting between Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping.

Shares of major producers sank: CATL dropped 6.82%, Tianqi Lithium fell 7.17%, EVE Energy plunged nearly 11%, and BYD lost 2.54% by market close. China’s New Energy Vehicles Index slid 6.02%.

“The new controls drastically expand how much of the lithium battery supply chain China is staking a claim to,” said Cory Combs of Trivium China, warning that Beijing could slow or limit export licenses to maintain leverage.

Analysts at Zaoshang Securities argued the impact should be limited, saying the measures stop short of a ban and that past controls, such as those on natural graphite, caused no major export decline. Still, investors remain uneasy as the curbs come alongside tighter EV tax exemption rules, which could hit domestic demand.

Chinese companies such as CATL and BYD, which supply automakers worldwide and operate joint ventures like the Ford-CATL plant in the U.S., could face ripple effects across global supply chains as Washington and Beijing compete for dominance in critical materials.

Researchers Create Self-Healing, Stretchable Lithium Batteries with Improved Durability

/in /tarafından

Scientists have recently pushed the boundaries of battery technology by developing a groundbreaking self-healing, stretchable lithium battery. Unlike traditional lithium-ion batteries, which are often used in smartphones and electric vehicles, this new type of battery is designed to be far more flexible and resilient. While most conventional batteries are encased in sturdy layers to prevent damage, they are still unsuitable for applications in soft robots and wearables. A team of researchers from the University of California, Berkeley, Georgia Institute of Technology, and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology has now created a battery that can withstand extreme stress, such as twisting or puncturing, making it ideal for more flexible applications.

The innovative self-healing stretchable battery is the result of extensive research and collaboration between several top-tier institutions. Published in Science Advances, the research demonstrates that the new battery can endure up to 500 charge/discharge cycles while maintaining its stability and performance. The secret behind its durability lies in its unique jelly-like structure and self-healing capabilities, which allow it to recover from damage without compromising functionality. This breakthrough not only enhances the battery’s longevity but also opens up new possibilities for its use in soft robotics and wearable technologies.

One of the key elements that make this battery so effective is the use of zwitterionic polymers. These polymers possess both positive and negative charges, allowing them to bind with water molecules in a way that enhances the battery’s stability. The negative charge attracts lithium ions, while the positive charge holds onto the water tightly, preventing the battery from splitting and losing its functionality when voltage is applied. The addition of acrylic acid and a fluorine-free Li salt-based hydrogel electrolyte further strengthens the battery, providing a stability window of up to 3.11 volts.

As a result of these innovations, the stretchable lithium battery is composed of 19% water and is capable of maintaining its performance even under high humidity conditions (50%). When tested in real-world applications, such as powering a circuit board running LED lights, the battery exhibited exceptional durability. It continued to function flawlessly for over a month, even after enduring multiple forms of damage, including stretching, punctures, and cuts from needles and razors. This advancement is particularly promising for industries that require flexible, durable, and non-toxic power sources, including soft robotics and wearable devices. The development represents a significant leap forward in battery technology, proving that innovation in this field is only just beginning.

China and Indonesia Ink $10 Billion Deals Focusing on Green Energy and Technology

/in /tarafından

China and Indonesia signed agreements worth $10 billion during the Indonesia-China Business Forum held in Beijing on Sunday, marking a significant step in their growing bilateral relationship. The deals cover a wide range of sectors, including green energy, technology, food, and biotechnology. This event followed a key meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, who is visiting China for the first time since assuming office in October. Notably, Prabowo’s choice of China as his first official visit as president emphasizes Indonesia’s commitment to strengthening its strategic ties with Beijing.

In a joint statement released after the leaders’ discussions, China and Indonesia outlined plans to enhance cooperation in emerging sectors such as new energy vehicles, lithium batteries, photovoltaics, and the digital economy. They also agreed to work together to ensure the security of global mineral supply chains and support the global energy transition. These agreements align with both countries’ broader efforts to address climate change and secure sustainable growth.

One of the key deals signed during the forum was between Chinese battery materials producer GEM and PT Vale Indonesia. The agreement, witnessed by President Prabowo, involves the construction of a high-pressure acid leaching plant in Central Sulawesi, a crucial step in securing nickel resources. Indonesia, as the world’s largest nickel producer, plays a pivotal role in the global electric vehicle supply chain, with Chinese companies such as Tsingshan Holding Group and Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt dominating the sector.

In the technology space, Indonesian tech giant GoTo Gojek Tokopedia formed partnerships with China’s Tencent and Alibaba to advance cloud infrastructure and foster digital talent development in Indonesia. These collaborations are expected to boost Indonesia’s digital economy and increase its technological capabilities.

The two countries also agreed on several measures to improve connectivity, including the introduction of multi-entry long-term visas and the expansion of direct flights between the two nations. Additionally, the agreements included cooperation in the housing sector and initiatives to increase exports of fresh coconuts from Indonesia to China.

These developments reflect the deepening ties between China and Indonesia, positioning them as key partners in the global push for green energy solutions and digital innovation.