# Seeking the holy grail of batteries (Rerun)

- Show: [Catalyst](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst)
- Published: 2023-08-24
- Length: 55m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2023-08-24-seeking-the-holy-grail-of-batteries-rerun

## Summary

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.

## Chapters

- [0:02](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2023-08-24-seeking-the-holy-grail-of-batteries-rerun#t=2) Introduction and Show Housekeeping
- [5:29](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2023-08-24-seeking-the-holy-grail-of-batteries-rerun#t=329) The Holy Grail and Chemistry Basics: LFP vs. NMC
- [10:43](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2023-08-24-seeking-the-holy-grail-of-batteries-rerun#t=643) Geographic Split and China's Strategic Pivots
- [15:17](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2023-08-24-seeking-the-holy-grail-of-batteries-rerun#t=917) Automaker vs. Battery Maker Decision Making
- [19:34](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2023-08-24-seeking-the-holy-grail-of-batteries-rerun#t=1174) Startup Challenges and Supply Chain Complexity
- [26:29](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2023-08-24-seeking-the-holy-grail-of-batteries-rerun#t=1589) Capital Intensity and the Silicon Anode Boom
- [29:59](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2023-08-24-seeking-the-holy-grail-of-batteries-rerun#t=1799) Lithium Supply Squeeze and Pricing Forecasts
- [37:12](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2023-08-24-seeking-the-holy-grail-of-batteries-rerun#t=2232) Future Cathode Buckets and Solid State Timelines
- [41:53](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2023-08-24-seeking-the-holy-grail-of-batteries-rerun#t=2513) Fast Charging, Durability, and V2G Potential

## Topics

- [Materials & manufacturing processes](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/materials-and-processes)
- [Sourcing & supply chain](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sourcing-and-supply-chain)
- [Connected products & IoT](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/connected-products-and-iot)
- [Starting a product company](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/starting-a-company)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- E-Source (company)
- Sam Jaffe (other)
- LFP (other)
- NMC (other)
- NCA (other)
- Tesla (company)
- GM (company)
- LG (company)
- Stellantis (company)
- Samsung SDI (company)
- Mercedes (company)
- Volkswagen (company)
- QuantumScape (company)
- Solid Power (company)
- CATL (company)
- North Volt (company)
- Panasonic (company)
- Albemarle (company)
- SQM (company)
- Lithium Americas (company)

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## Citing this page

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