Seeking the holy grail of batteries (Rerun)

Catalyst · 24 Aug 2023 · 55m

What this episode covers

Sam Jaffe, VP of Battery Solutions at E-Source, explains the competitive dynamics between LFP and NMC/NCA chemistries, noting China's strategic pivot from LFP to ternary cathodes and back. He details how automakers like GM, LG, and Stellantis are shifting from passive buyers to active co-developers of battery chemistry, while startups face high capital barriers and complex supply chain integration. Jaffe also discusses the severe lithium supply squeeze, the potential for manganese-rich cathodes, and his renewed bullishness on vehicle-to-grid (V2G) applications due to improved battery durability.

Mentioned

Companies
E-Source, Tesla, GM, LG, Stellantis, Samsung SDI, Mercedes, Volkswagen, QuantumScape, Solid Power, CATL, North Volt, Panasonic, Albemarle, SQM, Lithium Americas
Also
Sam Jaffe, LFP, NMC, NCA

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