Watt's New in Batteries: Workforce Trends, Industry Insights & Innovations
From white papers and publications to case studies and podcasts, each month Volta Foundation posts the latest thought leadership and industry insights in the battery industry.
Here’s a glimpse of what’s inside September’s edition:
⚡ Volta Foundation Battery Talent Census offers the most comprehensive snapshot of U.S. workforce trends, skill gaps, and career perceptions across the battery ecosystem
⚡ Volta Foundation panel reveals why the workforce — not technology — is the battery industry’s biggest bottleneck, with data literacy and retraining key to scaling
⚡ American Battery Solutions Inc. on Transition to Zero Podcast – Dr. John Warner discusses battery tech evolution, transit challenges, and innovations shaping sustainable transportation
⚡ Bruker BioSpin – Prof. Gillian Goward shows how solid-state NMR reveals new insights into fuel cells and lithium-ion batteries, optimizing these “workhorse” technologies for cleaner energy
⚡ Tescan – Powering the Future paper shows how SEM, FIB-SEM, and micro-CT are revolutionizing lithium-ion battery research, uncovering degradation mechanisms and boosting energy storage innovation
⚡ Lumicity Podcast – Roshan Pujari, CEO of Stardust Power, shares how building a 50,000-tonne U.S. lithium refinery will strengthen the supply chain and drive clean energy independence
⚡ Vaisala Webinar – Prof. Tanja Kallio explores lithium-ion batteries’ role in the green transition, the impact of humidity on manufacturing, and future EV technologies
⚡ Project Blue - SAIC debuts the first commercial LMO semi-solid-state battery, a milestone launch that serves more as a symbolic step than a market-changing leap
⚡ Siemens x Dürr Systems – leveraging Siemens technologies, Dürr’s electrode coating equipment achieves new levels of precision, efficiency, and quality while cutting costs and boosting yield
⚡ Dragonfly Energy Corporation – CEO Denis Phares shares how lithium batteries are transforming RV life, from safety and efficiency to powering off-grid adventures
⚡ NOVONIX – Ultra-High Precision Coulometry (UHPC) combined with machine learning is slashing battery test times and improving predictions of lithium-ion battery life
⚡ ZEISS Industrial Quality Solutions – advanced 3D X-ray microscopy, CT, and nanotomography reveal battery structures and defects across scales, driving performance, safety, and durability
⚡ MBTS GmbH – in collaboration with Zwick Roell, MBTS highlights new battery cell testing methods that cut development time, reduce costs, and enhance pack lifespan
Volta Foundation
Battery Talent Census - Skills, Training and Growth Insights from the World’s Largest Battery Workforce Report
The Battery Talent Census is the most comprehensive analysis of the U.S. battery workforce, with insights from 1,000+ professionals. It highlights critical skill gaps, demographics, compensation trends, and student career perceptions, providing data-driven recommendations for industry, policymakers, educators, and job seekers. By clarifying workforce realities, the Census helps address labor shortages and supports the sector’s rapid growth. DOWNLOAD THE REPORT!
Battery Technology
Battery Workforce Experts: Talent Pipeline is the Industry's Biggest Bottleneck
At Volta Foundation n’s 'Future-Charged Workforce' webinar, industry leaders agreed that the battery sector’s biggest bottleneck isn’t technology but talent. As companies pivot from R&D to large-scale production, the need for data literacy, AI-enabled skills, and retraining from adjacent industries is outpacing current pipelines. Panelists emphasized stronger collaboration between academia, industry, and communities to build a future-ready workforce — making talent development essential to the success of U.S. battery manufacturing. READ MORE.
American Battery Solutions Inc.
Talks Domestic Batteries with Transition to Zero
In this episode of Transition to Zero Podcast, host Jared Schnader sits down with Dr. John Warner, Chief Customer Officer at American Battery Solutions. They explore the evolution of battery technology, the challenges and opportunities in the transit industry, and the future of sustainable transportation. Dr. Warner shares insights from his extensive career in the automotive and battery industries, discussing the importance of innovation and collaboration in driving the industry forward. Tune in to discover how American Battery Solutions is leading the charge in creating a cleaner, more efficient future. LISTEN NOW
Bruker BioSpin
Interview With Prof. Gillian Goward | Shedding Light on the Workings of Energy Storage Materials
Professor Gillian Goward at McMaster University in Ontario, Canada apply advanced solid-state NMR techniques, in combination with electrochemical characterization, to study new materials continuously being developed to transform the ways we capture, transmit, and store energy.. WATCH INTERVIEW!
Tescan
Battery Research with TESCAN Advanced Solutions
Explore our inspiration paper, Powering the Future, showcasing how SEM, FIB-SEM, and micro-CT are revolutionizing lithium-ion battery research. Learn to optimize performance, investigate materials, and uncover degradation mechanisms—empowering innovation in sustainable, efficient energy storage. Discover our advanced solutions for research and production challenges. DOWNLOAD NOW!
Lumicity
Building a 50,000 Tonne Lithium facility in North America with Stardust Power
Cellmates by Lumicity is joined by Roshan Pujari, founder and CEO of Stardust Power, Inc. wer, a fast-rising player in the American battery-grade lithium refining space. As demand for electric vehicles (EVs) and grid-scale energy storage explodes, Roshan and his team are building one of the first large-scale lithium refineries in the U.S.—designed to process domestic and imported raw lithium into high-purity material ready for battery manufacturing. LISTEN HERE!
Vaisala
Powering the green transition in transportation
Explore lithium-ion batteries' role in the green transition, the impact of humidity on manufacturing, and future Electric Vehicle (EV) battery developments. Professor Tanja Kallio from Aalto University speaks directly to EV battery manufacturers, researchers, and enthusiasts in this compelling webinar, now available on demand. REGISTER TO LISTEN!
Project Blue
SAIC’s first LMO semi-solid-state battery is more of a statement than a market leap
Introduction and assessment of SAIC's new LMO solid-state battery, which will be commercialsed in the new MG4 EV. Although a technological advancement, its entry-level performance suggests it is more of a statement than a market leap. READ MORE HERE!
Siemens
Siemens & Dürr Systems Collaborate to Support Tension-Controlled Coating Capabilities
Using Siemens technologies to support tension-controlled coating capabilities, this new model takes its industry-leading electrode coating equipment to new levels of precision, efficiency, and quality. Learn how Siemens technologies helped Dürr Systems improve its electrode coating capabilities to expand production capacity and drive down costs while boosting yield. WATCH VIDEO!
Dragonfly Energy Corporation
Lithium Batteries for RVs: What You Need to Know with Dragonfly Energy
Patti Hunt interviews Denis Phares, CEO and founder of Dragonfly Energy, the company behind the revolutionary Battle Born Batteries. They discuss why lithium batteries are transforming the RV lifestyle for full-timers, boondockers, and off-grid adventurers. Denis shares his fascinating journey from physics professor to battery pioneer, the safety and efficiency of lithium iron phosphate technology, and what RVers must consider when upgrading their power systems. Whether you're just starting your RV journey or looking to level up your rig, this episode is packed with expert insights, practical tips, and inspiring stories. TUNE IN HERE!
NOVONIX
The Secret to Slashing Battery Test Times: Ultra-High Precision Coulometry (UHPC) and Machine Learning
How early can you predict a battery’s end of life? In this case study, we combined NOVONIX Ultra-High Precision Coulometry data with SandboxAQ machine learning to accurately forecast battery EOL (85% of original capacity) after just a few cycles. Learn how early-stage UHPC testing can power fast, accurate lifetime predictions. READ THE BATTERY BITS BLOG.
ZEISS Industrial Quality Solutions
Assessing rechargeable batteries with 3D X-ray microscopy, computed tomography, and nanotomography
CT scanning, 3D X-ray microscopy, and nanotomography allow non-destructive investigation of rechargeable batteries from millimeter-scale cell structures to nanometer-scale material features. These techniques reveal architecture, defects, and degradation mechanisms across multiple length scales, providing data essential for advancing battery performance, safety, and durability. READ MORE!
MBTS GmbH
Battery Cell Testing for Enhancing the Pack Lifespan
MBTS excited to share that, in collaboration with Zwick Roell, we’ve published an article in ATZ Worldwide! The article highlights the advantages of our technology and how it contributes to reducing development time and costs. READ ARTICLE HERE!
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Volta Foundation is the world’s largest network of battery professionals. As a global not-for-profit association of more than 75,000+ battery professionals and 200+ member companies, Volta Foundation produces publications, networking opportunities, and industry resources to foster collaboration, innovation and advocacy within the battery industry. Learn more at https://volta.foundation/.