Battery cells from Europe: How it can succeed

Battery Duel with China Battery Cells from Europe: How it can Succeed

2025-08-25 From Mario Hommen/SP-X | Translated by AI 1 min Reading Time

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Despite the technological lag, a battery expert sees new opportunities for Europe's cell production. What is still missing? The will to develop the topic on a broad scale.

Northvolt was one of the ambitious attempts to establish cell production in Europe. Currently, an American company is looking to buy the insolvent battery manufacturer.(Image: Northvolt) — Northvolt was one of the ambitious attempts to establish cell production in Europe. Currently, an American company is looking to buy the insolvent battery manufacturer.
(Image: Northvolt)

Despite China's lead in battery technologies, Simon Lux from the University of Münster (Germany) and the Fraunhofer Research Institution for Battery Cell Production sees good opportunities for Europe to catch up. In an interview with the german magazine Auto Motor und Sport, Lux explained that Europe lacks a strong general contractor capable of building complete battery factories.

China Pursues a Comprehensive Strategy for Batteries

According to Lux, the gap with China in the case of NMC battery cells is even small, but for LFP cells and solid-state batteries, it is around three to five years. China's lead is based on a comprehensive strategy pursued for over 15 years, spanning from raw material extraction to vehicle production. Additionally, Western manufacturers long underestimated the potential of LFP technology, which they co-developed.

Lux remains optimistic: Europe has well-trained specialists, decades of expertise, and modern production facilities. To catch up, entrepreneurial spirit, investments, government support, and the establishment of an integrated European value chain network are now crucial.

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Date: 08.12.2025

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