Batteries & EVs

Cox Automotive data shows new EV sales dropped to 212,600 units in Q1 2026, while used EV sales climbed 12 percent to 93,500 units with prices approaching parity with gas vehicles.

Peak Energy and RWE Americas have deployed the first sodium-ion battery system on the MISO grid in Wisconsin, marking a milestone for the cheaper, cobalt-free chemistry in the US.

BYD has launched its second-generation Blade Battery and a 1,500 kW FLASH Charging network that can take a compatible EV from 10 to 97 percent in nine minutes, with plans to deploy 20,000 stations across China by year-end and begin overseas rollout.

CATL and BYD are mass-producing sodium-ion batteries for EVs and grid storage in 2026, driven by soaring lithium prices and abundant raw materials, while the West struggles to keep pace.

A novel covalent organic framework electrolyte solves calcium-ion transport problems that have stalled the technology for decades, opening a path to cheaper, more abundant battery chemistry.

Stellantis disclosed a $26 billion charge to reverse its EV strategy, bringing combined Ford, GM, and Stellantis EV writedowns past $53 billion as Detroit cedes ground to BYD and Tesla.

Donut Lab unveils solid-state battery with 400 Wh/kg density and 5-minute charging, now shipping in Verge motorcycles.