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George discusses his role and involvement with regards to the conference, industry challenges, what he is looking forward to at the event and why it is important for engineers to attend.
Q: Please could you briefly explain your role, involvement, and experience with regards to EV batteries?
George Miller (GM): I work as an analyst at Benchmark Mineral Intelligence, a firm that specialises in research and consultancy surrounding the lithium-ion battery supply chain – aiming to deliver actionable intelligence to those who need more insight into the market. Specifically, I specialise in researching and reporting on the lithium and graphite markets, in terms of raw materials, as well as the anode market as a value-added battery component.
Q: Many OEMs are pledging to be fully electric by 2030/2035, in light of this what would you say we need next to ensure a mainly electric vehicle presence in the market in the UK?
GM: Strong infrastructure surrounding electric vehicles is a key step towards ensuring that penetration rates in the automotive market continue to rise. Faster charging, and more fast charge stations in the UK, will be key in convincing consumers that the infrastructure is there to support their transition to electric vehicles.
Q: When it comes to the part of the battery life cycle you are involved in, what considerations need to be taken when it comes to the sustainability side?
GM: Supply localisation and the re-examination of processing techniques are two key trends towards sustainability in the upstream, raw-material end, of the cell supply chain. The transportation of raw materials is incredibly consumptive, yet the emissions and energy consumption associated with this can be reduced when more raw materials are sourced close to electric vehicle end markets – we are seeing an increasing number of lithium juniors receive investment from automakers and cell manufacturers within the same region, who are hoping to localise their cell supply chain.
Q: What do you think is the main area in the battery lifecycle that needs development to ensure a net-zero carbon lifecycle to match the 2050 target?
GM: Developing improved methods of battery recycling is important to improving the overall lifecycle of battery materials. Furthermore, recycling could begin to meaningfully reduce issues surrounding an impending raw material supply deficit for the cell value chain and reduce reliance on international supply chains if raw materials can be recovered in proximity to EV end-markets.
Q: Regarding new technologies for battery use and operation, what would you say are the ones to watch for the future?
GM: Silicon and lithium metal anode technology for improving battery capacity, or for cathodes, the use of metal powders to manufacture the cathode as opposed to sulphates has potential for process cost and environmental benefits.
Q: Why is it important for engineers to join the International EV Batteries 2021 conference?
GM: Battery technology undergoes regular and incremental improvement as a result of engineering work – the net effect of this development has made EVs a commercially viable solution to the world’s automotive transportation problem. With further incremental improvements to battery technology, the case for electrification of cars will not only become stronger, but the wider use of batteries to support other elements of the energy transition.
This year’s International EV Batteries conference will be taking place on 9-10 November 2021 at Kia Oval, London.
The International EV Batteries 2021 conference will cover:
- Status updates on UK government investment and projects in battery manufacturing
- Insight into varying battery materials and requirements for the battery supply chain
- State-of-the-art battery cell chemistries and design for a cost-effective, stable and energy-dense battery
- Innovative design for fast charging and charging infrastructure and technology
- Understanding of how specific challenges of integrating EV technology into heavy duty applications are being managed by leaders in the field
- Best practice for thermal management of batteries to ensure optimal temperatures for safe operation
- Cutting-edge battery testing techniques and technologies to ensure an efficient and safe battery
To book your place, please visit the event website.