US Senators Call for Boost in Battery Production to Counter China’s Dominance

Senators Urge Energy Department to Prioritize Battery Manufacturing and Research

In a letter seen by Reuters, two influential Democratic U.S. senators have urged the Energy Department to take immediate action to enhance battery manufacturing and research in the United States. Senators Mark Warner and Joe Manchin expressed concern over China’s dominance in the battery industry and its recent export controls, emphasizing the need for the U.S. to catch up in this critical sector.

China’s Battery Technology Lead Raises Concerns

Highlighting experts’ opinions, the senators noted that the United States is significantly behind Asia, especially China, in commercializing battery technology. They also pointed out that China currently accounts for over 75% of battery cell production. To address this imbalance, the senators called for the U.S. to become a leader in battery manufacturing, emphasizing the importance of securing supply chains for battery components.

China’s Export Restrictions and Global Battery Supply Chain Dominance

The senators highlighted China’s recent decision to restrict the export of graphite, a critical material for battery anodes, as an example of China’s control over the global electric vehicle (EV) battery supply chain. They emphasized that China dominates the production of lithium-ion batteries, which are crucial for various military systems, from handheld radios to unmanned submersibles.

Urgent Need for U.S. Leadership in Next-Generation Battery Technologies

The senators emphasized that the United States produced less than 10% of lithium-ion batteries in 2022, while demand is projected to increase over seven times by 2035. They called for a committee briefing to be held by December 1 to discuss ongoing research and development of next-generation battery technologies. Additionally, they stressed the importance of the U.S. leading in alternative battery chemistries and coordinating with the Department of Defense and other national security agencies to procure innovative, U.S.-developed energy storage technologies.

Conclusion

The senators’ letter underscores the urgent need for the United States to boost battery manufacturing and research to counter China’s dominance in the global battery industry. They emphasize the importance of securing supply chains and developing next-generation battery technologies to maintain national security and competitiveness. With the growing demand for batteries, the senators call for immediate action to ensure the United States becomes a leader in this critical sector.