Press releases

According to a recent study by Fraunhofer FFB and the University of Münster, sodium-ion batteries are on the verge of industrial mass production. They already offer a viable and sustainable alternative, especially for applications with lower energy density requirements. Expected material optimizations could lead to sodium-ion batteries also being used in electric vehicles in the coming years.

A research team from the University of Münster, the Fraunhofer Research Manufacturing Battery Cell facility, and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (USA)has analyzed different strategies for handling end-of-life batteries from electric vehicles, using California as a case study. The findings show that repurposing used batteries as stationary energy storage systems is more effective in reducing greenhouse gas emissions over the long term than immediate recycling. Especially in countries with a high share of renewable energy, second-life battery use, such as for power grid stabilization and improved integration of solar and wind power, holds significant potential.

Lithium is an essential raw material for the production of modern batteries used in electric vehicles, smartphones, and laptops. In the current white paper “Battery Raw Material Lithium,” Fraunhofer FFB examines global lithium deposits and industrial extraction processes, highlights ecological impacts, and identifies potential for sustainable production and recycling strategies.

Start-ups in the field of renewable energies are seen as a key driver of the energy transition. In 2024, 1.2 billion euros in venture capital was invested in German energy start-ups, more than in any other technology field. A research team from Fraunhofer FFB and the University of Münster has investigated the factors that determine the success of entrepreneurial initiatives in this field, the hurdles they encounter and how investments can be translated into a measurable climate impact.

The Fraunhofer Research Institution for Battery Cell Production FFB has started the new “KOOP” project together with the Chair of Production Engineering of E-Mobility Components (PEM) of RWTH Aachen University and mixing technology specialist “hs·tumbler”. The aim of the project, which is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space, is to accelerate the industrialization of innovative production and battery technologies. For the next three years, the partners will deal with the systematization of collaboration between innovative companies or research institutions and the Fraunhofer FFB on the basis of a specific use case.

Fraunhofer FFB has developed solutions for the planning of future battery factories together with the Chair of Production Engineering of E-Mobility Components (PEM) at RWTH Aachen University and ten industrial partners from Germany and abroad. As part of an international consortium study, strategies have been developed to help overcome currently known challenges in the design of new gigafactories.

The battery technologies of the future will play a central role in the energy and mobility transition. To investigate global competition in this field, a research team from Fraunhofer FFB and Cambridge and the University of Münster compared patents and innovation strategies from different countries on next-generation battery technologies for electric vehicles.

Fraunhofer FFB and Kerkhoff, part of Interpath have formed a strategic alliance to support companies in the cost-optimized procurement of battery cells. The core of the cooperation is a jointly developed cost modeling system that brings transparency to complex price structures. The alliance offers industrial customers systematic preparation and implementation of demanding supplier negotiations and provides concrete solutions for maximum efficiency at the lowest cost in development and planning processes for products and production.

Fraunhofer FFB will be exhibiting for the first time this year with its booth at Battery Show Europe, the largest trade fair and conference for advanced battery manufacturing and technology. From June 3 to 5, 2025, visitors in Stuttgart will have the opportunity to learn all about the latest developments in plant engineering, sustainable battery technologies, and the industrialization of innovative product and production processes.

The construction of the “FFB Fab” marks the beginning of the second construction phase of the large-scale research facility in Münster-Amelsbüren. Modern production and research facilities covering an area of 20,000 square meters will be created, enabling industry-oriented production research and development in the gigawatt range. Completion of the construction phase is scheduled for the end of 2027. At the same time, the research operations are being set up in close cooperation with the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). The development of the research production facility for battery cells (FFB) as a central element of a technologically advanced and competitive battery value chain in Germany and Europe is thus entering its final phase.