Dr. Simon Engelke speaks with Siyu Huang, Founder and CEO at Factorial Energy to explore Factorial’s journey and its role in advancing solid-state batteries.

They discuss milestones achieved, realistic timelines for SSB commercialization, key technical challenges, and where the biggest opportunities lie. Factorial Energy is a US based battery technology company developing advanced solid-state batteries with higher energy density, improved safety, and cost-competitive performance compared to conventional lithium-ion cells.

What we cover in this episode: Siyu Huang’s journey from chemistry research to founding Factorial and her insights on leadership in scaling a battery startup.

Factorial’s milestones in developing solid-state batteries, including first 100 Ah cells, high energy density, and commercial deployments with automotive partners.Key technical challenges, realistic timelines for solid-state commercialization, and specialty applications beyond automotive, such as drones and defense.

The importance of asset-light, consistent manufacturing, leveraging existing lithium-ion infrastructure, and licensing/technology partnerships.Insights on navigating growth, investor relations, and building strategic collaborations in the Western battery ecosystem.

About Battery Associates:Founded in 2020, Battery Associates (B.A.) unites battery professionals worldwide to accelerate sustainable energy solutions.

We empower individuals and organizations to develop and deploy efficient, sustainable battery technology for a cleaner future.

🌐 Website: 🎓Become a Battery Expert with BatteryMBA: 12-week online program covering the battery industryLive and recorded sessions with industry expertsTechnical and business topics across the battery value chainNetwork with battery professionals globallyScholarships available

Learn more:

#FactorialEnergy #BatteryTech #SolidStateBatteries #BatteryInnovation #ElectricVehicles #SupplyChain #SustainableEnergy #BatteryInsiders #SyntheticGraphite #BatteryMaterials #BatterySupplyChain #EVBattery #BatteryInnovation #CleanTech #EnergyStorage #BatteryMBA #BatteryAssociates #ESG #Localization #Manufacturing #GreenMobility #EnergyIndependence #EuropeanManufacturing #BatteryLeadership #NextGenBatteries

Dr. Simon Engelke speaks with Matt Shen, General Manager of CATL to explore CATL’s European strategy - from its approach to market entry, joint-venture models, and regulatory readiness to the challenges of execution across supply chains and talent. CATL is the world’s leading manufacturer of lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles and energy-storage systems. They power global automakers and advances clean-energy innovation through sustained investment in technology, sustainability, and large-scale manufacturing. WHAT WE COVER IN THIS EPISODE• CATL’s strategic approach to Europe - “In Europe for Europe” local production model - Operations in Germany and Hungary - Joint ventures to stay close to customers and meet local EV demand • Building European operations - Focus on people and talent development - Training local workforce - Transferring manufacturing know-how • Execution challenges & supply chain realities - Logistics and regulatory hurdles - Talent scarcity - Collaboration with local suppliers and institutions • European regulatory landscape - Regulations as both challenge and opportunity - Battery passport and evolving standards - Need for consistent policy support • Technology & innovation outlook - Development of solid-state batteries - Product customization for European conditions - Cold-temperature performance and range optimization • Integration into the European battery ecosystem - Partnerships with automotive companies - Collaboration with governments and research bodies - Flexible plant ownership and service models • Leadership insights & reflections - Cross-cultural management - Fast pace of battery innovation - Importance of customer understanding - Long-term commitment to Europe About Battery Associates:Founded in 2020, Battery Associates (B.A.) unites battery professionals worldwide to accelerate sustainable energy solutions. We empower individuals and organizations to develop and deploy efficient, sustainable battery technology for a cleaner future.🌐 Website: battery.associates BECOME A BATTERY EXPERT WITH BATTERYMBA• 12-week comprehensive online program - In-depth coverage of the global battery industry • Live and recorded sessions - Learn directly from experienced industry experts • Technical & business curriculum - Topics spanning the entire battery value chain • Global networking opportunities - Connect with battery professionals worldwide • Scholarships available - Accessible learning opportunities for eligible participants Learn more: battery.mba #CATL #BatteryIndustry #EVBatteries #BatteryInsiders #ElectricVehicles #BatteryTech #EuropeBatteryEcosystem #BatteryTech #SolidStateBatteries #BatteryChemistry #InnovationInBatteries #SupplyChain #SustainableEnergy #BatteryInsiders #SyntheticGraphite #BatteryMaterials #BatterySupplyChain #EVBattery #BatteryInnovation #CleanTech #EnergyStorage #BatteryMBA #BatteryAssociates #ESG #Localization #Manufacturing #GreenMobility #EnergyIndependence #EuropeanManufacturing

Dr. Simon Engelke speaks with Yann Vincent, CEO of Automotive Cells Company (ACC) to explore the strategic vision and challenges of strengthening Europe's battery independence through sustainable manufacturing, regulatory navigation, and future expansion plans.

ACC is a European battery manufacturer backed by Stellantis, Mercedes-Benz, and TotalEnergies. They build gigafactories to power Europe’s clean mobility shift and to strengthen the continent’s battery independence and industrial resilience.

What we cover in this episode:

• Yann Vincent's personal insights on leadership and his transition from automotive to battery manufacturing
• ACC's origin story and its vision for Europe's battery independence
• Battery cell costs, local supply chains, chemistry choices, and EU regulations
• The impact of electric vehicle (EV) demand on expansion plans and ACC's financing strategies
• ACC's sustainability efforts, potential moves beyond automotive into energy storage and next-generation battery technologies
• The importance of local supply chains and partnerships with European battery material suppliers
• Challenges of competing with Chinese manufacturers, the need for European sovereignty in battery production, and the role of government support and regulations

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to ACC and the European Battery Landscape

02:58 Yann Vincent's Background and the Formation of ACC

05:26 Current Status and Future Plans of ACC

08:08 Yann's Personal Motivations for Transitioning from Automotive to Battery Cell Production

14:02 Challenges in Battery Cell Costs and Competition with China

16:49 The Importance of European Battery Supply Chains for the European Car Industry

18:11 How Europe Can Catch Up with China in Battery Cell Manufacturing

23:50 Tariffs vs. Subsidies as Regulatory Support

27:24 Competitive Advantages and Disadvantages of a Fully European Battery Material Supply Chain

30:06 Navigating Battery Chemistry and Market Trends

35:09 Balancing Manufacturing with R&D

36:37 Is Regulation a Competitive Advantage or a Burden? Sustainability in Battery Production

38:48 How the European Financing Ecosystem is Responding to the Battery Industry

46:09 Market Demand Dynamics and Future Expansion Plans

50:18 Thoughts on Expansion Approach

52:52 Similarities and Differences Between Battery Manufacturing and Car Manufacturing

54:32 Future Outlook for ACC and the Battery Market