batteries is experiencing a turning point, with movements ranging from advanced repair and ultra-fast charging to new chemical formats and fleet services.
As manufacturers adjust costs and accelerate innovationSpain is stepping on the gas with grid storage systems to better utilize renewable energy and respond to evacuation restrictions.
Innovation and services in batteries for mobility
CATL has activated “Ning Service” to selectively repair CTP packages, avoiding replacing the entire battery and reducing the outlay from around 100.000 yuan to interventions ranging from 10.000 to 20.000 yuan, a reduction of almost 80%.
The strategy is supported by specialized centers and its own protocols (like the one in Shanghai) with the aim of extending the useful life of out-of-warranty electric vehicles and creating a maintenance and charging ecosystem under the control of the manufacturer.
In parallel, CATL and BYD compete in ultra-fast charging: The first aims to recover up to 520 km in five minutes, surpassing the 400 km in the same time announced by its rival, a race that seeks to combine speed with real efficiency under operating conditions.
Hyundai, for its part, has registered a key patent for solid-state batteries in the US. which allows copper to be reintroduced into cells with sulfide electrolyte thanks to a protective coating and a layered architecture that improves adhesion and durability.
The use of copper would provide greater conductivity and lower cost. Compared to nickel or stainless steel, with potential benefits in performance and price, the group is preparing a pilot line and maintains alliances with developers such as SES AI and Factorial, in addition to academic collaboration.
Sodium ion is also gaining traction as an alternative: A new model announced by an industry leader achieves 175 Wh/kg, operates from -40°C to over 70°C and exceeds 10.000 cycles, positioning itself against LFP in terms of cost and robustness, and as a complement to NMC chemistries.
In the services sector, Bosch and Mitsubishi launch a BaaS joint venture. (with BPSE) to manage batteries in the cloud and operate swapping stations that replace a depleted unit with a charged one in minutes, with an eye on fleets and leasing.
The new German-based company has received regulatory approval., will begin testing in China and aims to operate in the EU, Japan, the United States, and India, reducing TCO and downtime and fostering second-life markets.
Toyota and Mazda advance in Japan in a local storage ecosystem Using electrified vehicle batteries integrated with plant energy management to stabilize renewables, strengthen the supply chain, and dispose of reused batteries.
Spain accelerates battery storage
The Spanish grid experienced a peak of restrictions in July: 19,7% of available renewable energy was not integrated., with 1,1 TWh lost in one month, which has reinforced the commitment to hybridizing generation with batteries to absorb surpluses and stabilize supply.
Developers have already applied for and obtained thousands of MW of storage.: There are 10.693 MW of batteries with permits granted and 16.971 MW in the pipeline, while 174.614 MW of access capacity is specifically reserved for storage at system nodes.
Navarra adds a hybrid BESS project with wind power: Statkraft is developing 14,26 MW and 28,51 MWh (two hours) connected to the Montes de Cierzo wind farm, with public support from IDAE under the Next Generation EU funds and with the aim of increasing efficiency and ensuring supply.
The repowering of the park will reduce wind turbines and increase production, going from 60 MW to 90 MW installed and from 145 GWh/year to nearly 300 GWh/year, with a significant reduction in visual impact due to a lower number of machines.
Cantabria advances another BESS project in the pipelineThe BESS Marina de Cudeyo (Shipyard) project plans 12,6 MW with nine batteries and 50,8 MWh, 12 kV lines and 1.302 meters of underground, a budget of over 6,2 million and an open public information phase.
For the sector, the priorities are to deploy batteries in critical nodes and strengthen the transportation and distribution network to minimize spills, stabilize prices, and maximize the use of photovoltaic and wind power during peak production times.
The reading of these movements is clear: Repairing rather than replacing, accelerating charging, diversifying chemistries, and enabling swapping services while deploying grid storage seem the most realistic path to gaining efficiency and robustness across the entire battery chain.
