Battery Show 2025: 15 Years of Innovation & What’s Next

Last week, the Battery Show celebrated 15 years of battery excellence, where engineers, OEMs, innovators, and manufacturers met to exchange ideas, unveil breakthroughs, and shape the future of electrification together.

Since its inception, the Battery Show has been a microcosm of the battery industry. 

Topics and discussions that dominate each year’s show tend to reflect the direction of the battery show as a whole. 

This year was the Battery Show’s 15th anniversary. What started with early breakthroughs in lithium-ion batteries has now led us to the rise of gigafactories, mass EV adoptions, and AI-powered innovations. 

Despite the storied history, a big focus at this year’s battery show was on the future: what’s next for the battery industry?

A Look Back - 15 years of Battery Excellence

The Battery Show has gone through some big changes over the past 15 years, evolving from a small gathering focused on early lithium-ion breakthroughs to the industry’s global benchmark for energy storage and electrification.

Each year’s event has reflected the pace of innovation; from the first gigafactory announcements and rapid EV adoption to today’s advancements in solid-state batteries, recycling systems, and digitalized manufacturing.

What began as a meeting of researchers and early adopters has become a full-scale ecosystem connecting engineers, suppliers, and OEMs across every continent.

As the show continues to grow, it not only documents the history of electrification but also helps define its next chapter.

2024

The Battery Show debuted in Detroit’s Huntington Place, welcoming 21,000+ attendees and 1,300 exhibitors. With keynotes from GM, Volkswagen, and LG Energy Solution, the event cemented its global reputation as the premier gathering for battery and EV innovation.

2023

Attendance climbed to 19,000 as EV adoption and recycling technologies advanced in tandem. With more than 235 speakers across four conference tracks, the event showcased a maturing industry ready to meet surging global demand.

2022

A record-breaking year saw over 14,500 attendees and 775 exhibitors as gigafactory announcements surged worldwide. Solid-state advancements and supply chain resilience defined the conversation, with The Battery Show even celebrating innovation through its own Oktoberfest.

2021

The Battery Show 2021 celebrated a strong industry rebound, with EV sales surpassing pre-pandemic levels and innovation at an all-time high. Featuring insights from the DOE, LG, and Ford, the event highlighted breakthroughs in battery chemistry, recycling, and digitalization; signaling renewed ambition and collaboration across the industry.

2019 – 2020 

Automakers unveiled next-generation EV platforms and recycling initiatives, shifting the global conversation from “if” to “how fast” electrification would happen. Despite pandemic disruptions in 2020, virtual events kept the industry connected and progress toward 2030 EV goals remained strong.

2018

Innovation moved from pilot projects to full-scale production as OEMs committed to electrified fleets. The show emphasized automation, advanced manufacturing, and rapidly expanding charging networks, signaling a new phase of readiness for EV infrastructure.

2017

Global EV sales topped one million for the first time, marking a milestone in mass adoption. The Battery Show spotlighted solid-state breakthroughs and gigafactory growth across the U.S. and Europe, reinforcing the importance of local supply chains and large-scale production.

2016

Global EV policies from China and Europe reshaped production strategies, pushing OEMs to invest heavily in new plants and testing innovations. With speakers from LG Chem and Google, The Battery Show emphasized how policy and innovation were now driving the industry forward together.

2015

Over 5,000 attendees and 700 exhibitors gathered as electrification became a shared mission across mobility and energy sectors. The show highlighted energy storage’s expanding role in renewable energy and the growing seriousness of automakers’ EV R&D efforts.

2014

Global automakers unveiled full EV roadmaps while Panasonic and Tesla’s Gigafactory announcement marked the start of mass-scale production. The Battery Show spotlighted breakthroughs in energy density and manufacturing, as sustainability and recycling became core industry priorities.

2013

Momentum continued as over 4,000 attendees and 330 exhibitors made The Battery Show the largest event of its kind in North America. GM and Tesla’s bold EV targets and falling lithium-ion costs underscored a turning point; when the industry shifted from concept to competition.

2012

With EV charging networks and hybrid models taking center stage, The Battery Show 2012 reflected a growing public curiosity about electric mobility. Leading companies like Samsung SDI, LG Chem, and Johnson Controls joined the conversation as the industry began connecting power to the road.

2011

The Battery Show moved to Novi, Michigan, doubling attendance and drawing 2,700 industry leaders. As Michigan emerged as a hub for advanced battery innovation, the event showcased new technologies, growing EV investment, and collaboration across automakers and startups; cementing the state’s role in shaping the electrified future.

2010

The Battery Show launched in San Jose, California, marking the beginning of a new era for the energy storage industry. The event united experts across electric vehicles, renewable energy, and advanced battery technology, setting the stage for innovation that continues to drive the global battery revolution today.

A Look Forward: What We Can Expect Over the Next 15 Years

Tabless battery technology

  • Expect broader adoption of large-format cylindrical cells with tabless current collectors, which cut internal resistance paths, improve manufacturability, and enable higher power and faster charging when engineered correctly. (source: https://www.bosch.com/stories/tesla-tab-talk/

 

 

 

Did you know EMS offers a bevy of clad-metal material solutions perfect for keeping higher power batteries and packs cool? 

Read more about clad metals right here! 

 

 

China’s innovation matches its manufacturing

  • China is no longer just about capacity. CATL’s Shenxing PLUS pushes ultra-fast LFP charging claims to “600 km in 10 minutes,” signaling a rapid cadence of cell- and pack-level innovations aimed at cost, charge rate, and longevity. (source: https://www.catl.com/en/news/6239.html

 

 

 

 

Indecisiveness due to tariffs

 

 

 

What this means for EMS customers

  • Design for optionality. EMS offers a range of materials and solutions that excel with a variety of different batteries and designs so you can pivot and innovate without re-architecting the entire pack. 

 

  • Customized solutions. Whether it’s for tabless batteries, prismatic pouches, cell connecting materials, or busbars, EMS has customized clad-metal solutions designed specifically for your own use-case, letting you get more power, durability, and control than you thought possible. 

 

  • Assume policy friction. Build plans that meet domestic-content thresholds and minimize tariff exposure while preserving access to rapidly innovating suppliers.

The Wickeder Group Difference

Engineered Materials Solutions is part of the Wickeder Group, offering a wide range of standard and customized solutions. 

With Wickeder Group, you have peace of mind in an uncertain future. We have the perfect balance of global production, manufacturing, and reach with local experts to help you find the perfect solution for any project.

Whether it’s battery or one of the other countless industries EMS serves, if you’re looking for a clad-metal solution tailored to your needs, you’re in the right place! 

Email us at solutions@emsclad.com and tell us your industry, goals, and needs and EMS experts will get started finding the perfect solution for you.

Battery Show 2025: 15 Years of Innovation & What’s Next

Last week, the Battery Show celebrated 15 years of battery excellence, where engineers, OEMs, innovators, and manufacturers met to exchange ideas, unveil breakthroughs, and shape the future of electrification together.

Since its inception, the Battery Show has been a microcosm of the battery industry. 

Topics and discussions that dominate each year’s show tend to reflect the direction of the battery show as a whole. 

This year was the Battery Show’s 15th anniversary. What started with early breakthroughs in lithium-ion batteries has now led us to the rise of gigafactories, mass EV adoptions, and AI-powered innovations. 

Despite the storied history, a big focus at this year’s battery show was on the future: what’s next for the battery industry?

A Look Back - 15 years of Battery Excellence

The Battery Show has gone through some big changes over the past 15 years, evolving from a small gathering focused on early lithium-ion breakthroughs to the industry’s global benchmark for energy storage and electrification.

Each year’s event has reflected the pace of innovation; from the first gigafactory announcements and rapid EV adoption to today’s advancements in solid-state batteries, recycling systems, and digitalized manufacturing.

What began as a meeting of researchers and early adopters has become a full-scale ecosystem connecting engineers, suppliers, and OEMs across every continent.

As the show continues to grow, it not only documents the history of electrification but also helps define its next chapter.

2024

The Battery Show debuted in Detroit’s Huntington Place, welcoming 21,000+ attendees and 1,300 exhibitors. With keynotes from GM, Volkswagen, and LG Energy Solution, the event cemented its global reputation as the premier gathering for battery and EV innovation.

2023

Attendance climbed to 19,000 as EV adoption and recycling technologies advanced in tandem. With more than 235 speakers across four conference tracks, the event showcased a maturing industry ready to meet surging global demand.

2022

A record-breaking year saw over 14,500 attendees and 775 exhibitors as gigafactory announcements surged worldwide. Solid-state advancements and supply chain resilience defined the conversation, with The Battery Show even celebrating innovation through its own Oktoberfest.

2021

The Battery Show 2021 celebrated a strong industry rebound, with EV sales surpassing pre-pandemic levels and innovation at an all-time high. Featuring insights from the DOE, LG, and Ford, the event highlighted breakthroughs in battery chemistry, recycling, and digitalization; signaling renewed ambition and collaboration across the industry.

2019 – 2020 

Automakers unveiled next-generation EV platforms and recycling initiatives, shifting the global conversation from “if” to “how fast” electrification would happen. Despite pandemic disruptions in 2020, virtual events kept the industry connected and progress toward 2030 EV goals remained strong.

2018

Innovation moved from pilot projects to full-scale production as OEMs committed to electrified fleets. The show emphasized automation, advanced manufacturing, and rapidly expanding charging networks, signaling a new phase of readiness for EV infrastructure.

2017

Global EV sales topped one million for the first time, marking a milestone in mass adoption. The Battery Show spotlighted solid-state breakthroughs and gigafactory growth across the U.S. and Europe, reinforcing the importance of local supply chains and large-scale production.

2016

Global EV policies from China and Europe reshaped production strategies, pushing OEMs to invest heavily in new plants and testing innovations. With speakers from LG Chem and Google, The Battery Show emphasized how policy and innovation were now driving the industry forward together.

2015

Over 5,000 attendees and 700 exhibitors gathered as electrification became a shared mission across mobility and energy sectors. The show highlighted energy storage’s expanding role in renewable energy and the growing seriousness of automakers’ EV R&D efforts.

2014

Global automakers unveiled full EV roadmaps while Panasonic and Tesla’s Gigafactory announcement marked the start of mass-scale production. The Battery Show spotlighted breakthroughs in energy density and manufacturing, as sustainability and recycling became core industry priorities.

2013

Momentum continued as over 4,000 attendees and 330 exhibitors made The Battery Show the largest event of its kind in North America. GM and Tesla’s bold EV targets and falling lithium-ion costs underscored a turning point; when the industry shifted from concept to competition.

2012

With EV charging networks and hybrid models taking center stage, The Battery Show 2012 reflected a growing public curiosity about electric mobility. Leading companies like Samsung SDI, LG Chem, and Johnson Controls joined the conversation as the industry began connecting power to the road.

2011

The Battery Show moved to Novi, Michigan, doubling attendance and drawing 2,700 industry leaders. As Michigan emerged as a hub for advanced battery innovation, the event showcased new technologies, growing EV investment, and collaboration across automakers and startups; cementing the state’s role in shaping the electrified future.

2010

The Battery Show launched in San Jose, California, marking the beginning of a new era for the energy storage industry. The event united experts across electric vehicles, renewable energy, and advanced battery technology, setting the stage for innovation that continues to drive the global battery revolution today.

A Look Forward: What We Can Expect Over the Next 15 Years

Tabless battery technology

  • Expect broader adoption of large-format cylindrical cells with tabless current collectors, which cut internal resistance paths, improve manufacturability, and enable higher power and faster charging when engineered correctly. (source: https://www.bosch.com/stories/tesla-tab-talk/

 

 

 

Did you know EMS offers a bevy of clad-metal material solutions perfect for keeping higher power batteries and packs cool? 

Read more about clad metals right here! 

 

 

China’s innovation matches its manufacturing

 

  • China is no longer just about capacity. CATL’s Shenxing PLUS pushes ultra-fast LFP charging claims to “600 km in 10 minutes,” signaling a rapid cadence of cell- and pack-level innovations aimed at cost, charge rate, and longevity. (source: https://www.catl.com/en/news/6239.html

 

 

 

 

Indecisiveness due to tariffs

 

 

 

 

What this means for EMS customers

 

  • Design for optionality. EMS offers a range of materials and solutions that excel with a variety of different batteries and designs so you can pivot and innovate without re-architecting the entire pack. 

 

  • Customized solutions. Whether it’s for tabless batteries, prismatic pouches, cell connecting materials, or busbars, EMS has customized clad-metal solutions designed specifically for your own use-case, letting you get more power, durability, and control than you thought possible. 

 

  • Assume policy friction. Build plans that meet domestic-content thresholds and minimize tariff exposure while preserving access to rapidly innovating suppliers.

The Wickeder Group Difference

Engineered Materials Solutions is part of the Wickeder Group, offering a wide range of standard and customized solutions. 

With Wickeder Group, you have peace of mind in an uncertain future. We have the perfect balance of global production, manufacturing, and reach with local experts to help you find the perfect solution for any project.

Whether it’s battery or one of the other countless industries EMS serves, if you’re looking for a clad-metal solution tailored to your needs, you’re in the right place! 

Email us at solutions@emsclad.com and tell us your industry, goals, and needs and EMS experts will get started finding the perfect solution for you.