Batteries / Energy Storage
Emerging AlternativesOverview
Battery cell manufacturing is dominated by CATL and BYD (China), LG Energy (South Korea), and Panasonic (Japan). Europe imports most EV battery cells despite being the world's second-largest EV market. Multiple European gigafactories are under construction but the continent is behind its 2030 capacity targets.
Northvolt, once Europe's battery champion, faced financial difficulties in 2024-2025, highlighting the challenge of competing with Asian manufacturers' scale and cost advantages.
Why EU Sovereignty Matters
Batteries are the critical component in the transition to electric vehicles and renewable energy storage. If Europe can build cars but not the batteries that power them, its automotive industry — employing 13 million people — remains dependent on Asian supply chains. Battery sovereignty is essential for both the green transition and industrial competitiveness.
Key European Players
Corporate
Franco-German-Italian battery joint venture backed by Stellantis, Mercedes-Benz, and TotalEnergies. Building gigafactories in France, Germany, and Italy.
Startup
Norwegian battery cell manufacturer developing clean energy-powered gigafactories for next-generation battery cells.
Swedish battery manufacturer, Europe's most prominent battery startup. Operational gigafactory in Skellefteå. Faced financial restructuring in late 2024 but continues operations.
Initiative
2023 regulation requiring carbon footprint declarations, recycled content minimums, and due diligence across the entire battery value chain.
Key Facts
- Capacity gap
- Behind 2030 targets
- EU Battery Regulation
- 2023 (lifecycle requirements)
- Planned gigafactories
- 30+ across Europe
- EU cell production share
- <10% global
Other Domains
Suggest an Edit
Know a European player we're missing? See something that needs updating? Suggestions are reviewed by our editorial team.