The Power Source of Tomorrow, Today
Batteries are the unsung heroes powering America’s technological revolution. Electric vehicles, advanced defense systems, grid stability, and our everyday electronics all depend on the efficient storage of electrons. The race for battery dominance is not just about innovation; it’s a critical geopolitical battleground that could determine global technological leadership, with China currently holding a significant lead.
The year 2025 proved to be a pivotal one for the battery industry, marked by both exhilarating breakthroughs and sobering setbacks. We’ve curated the most significant developments that defined the year, offering a glimpse into the future of energy storage.
A Year of Transition: Policy, Progress, and Pragmatism
The landscape of battery manufacturing in the United States was significantly shaped by the policy shifts of 2025. While the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 initially spurred a wave of factory announcements and investments, the return of former President Trump to the White House brought about a palpable policy whiplash. This led to the pause or closure of several planned battery plants, a shift in investment priorities for some automakers towards stationary storage solutions amidst an EV slowdown, and the evaporation of related jobs.
Despite these challenges, the momentum built in prior years continued. Projects initiated under the previous administration moved closer to fruition. The much-anticipated ‘holy grail’ of battery technology, solid-state batteries, saw early prototypes hitting the road, fueling optimism among automakers.
Simultaneously, conventional lithium-ion technology continued its relentless march of improvement. New and updated EVs boasted enhanced battery efficiency, delivering extended range and more competitive pricing. The resurgence of lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) technology in the U.S. market, alongside novel chemistries like lithium-manganese-rich (LMR) batteries, addressed critical affordability concerns.
The sheer volume of battery news in 2025 felt like a compressed five years of progress. Recognizing its profound impact on everything from transportation to grid resilience, the InsideEVs team provided in-depth coverage, including exclusive scoops, technical analyses, factory tours, and interviews with industry leaders.
The 10 EV Battery Stories That Defined 2025
As the year draws to a close, InsideEVs presents the ten most impactful battery developments that captured our attention and shaped the industry’s trajectory. If you found it challenging to keep pace with the relentless battery news cycle, these stories offer a comprehensive overview of 2025’s key moments and the direction the industry is heading.
1. How Ford and GM Are Plotting a Battery Breakup with China
General Motors and Ford are pioneering a new battery chemistry, lithium-manganese-rich (LMR), aiming to match the range of current nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) batteries while offering the cost-effectiveness of lithium-iron phosphate (LFP). An exclusive visit to GM’s advanced battery facilities revealed the intricacies of LMR battery production and its potential to reshape the EV landscape. Ford engineers described LMR as the “LFP of the West,” poised to be the next big thing in battery technology.
Read the full story here.
2. Mercedes’ Solid-State Battery Prototype Hits the Road
Western automakers made significant strides towards realizing their solid-state battery ambitions in 2025. These next-generation batteries promise extended range, ultra-fast charging, and enhanced safety. A Mercedes-Benz EQS equipped with a semi-solid-state battery from U.S. startup Factorial began real-world road testing in Europe. BMW took another leap, integrating an all-solid-state (ASSB) battery from Solid Power into a prototype i7. As these technologies mature, expect more groundbreaking announcements in the near future.
Read the full story here.
3. Ford’s Affordable EV Comeback Hinges on LFP Batteries, Amidst Controversy
Lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) batteries are crucial for making EVs more accessible due to their lower production costs and absence of expensive nickel or cobalt. However, most LFP batteries are currently manufactured in China. Ford is actively working to change this narrative by establishing its $3 billion BlueOval Battery Park Michigan, which will license CATL’s technology to produce LFP batteries for its future EVs. An in-depth look at the plant revealed the challenges and controversies encountered in bringing this domestic LFP production to fruition.
Read the full story here.
4. GM Accelerates U.S. LFP Battery Production Plans
General Motors had a banner year in battery innovation. Not only did it surpass Tesla as the largest battery cell manufacturer in the U.S., but it also announced significant plans for domestic LFP battery production. Key suppliers LG Energy Solution and Samsung SDI will retool U.S. plants, initially designed for NMC batteries, to produce LFP packs. While the Chevy Bolt EV and Silverado EV are slated to receive LFP batteries, local production is not expected until late 2027, with GM reportedly importing LFP batteries from China’s CATL in the interim.
Read the full story here.
5. BMW’s Gen6 Batteries Signal a Potential Class-Leading EV Future
The rapid advancements in lithium-ion battery technology raise the question of whether alternative chemistries like solid-state are still necessary. BMW’s upcoming Gen6 batteries are set to deliver an impressive range of up to 620 miles (vehicle dependent) and enable 30% faster charging. This trend of continuous battery improvement was evident across the industry in 2025. Toyota’s 2026 EVs will feature enhanced batteries, Hyundai plans to reduce battery costs by 30% and increase energy density by 15% from 2027, and Tesla is collaborating with Panasonic on anode-free cells that could add an estimated 90 miles of range to the Model Y.
Read the full story here.
6. The Battery Manufacturing Glut: We Built Too Many EV Battery Factories
The year 2025 saw the cancellation of multi-billion dollar battery plant projects, partly influenced by policy shifts away from clean energy incentives. Consequently, North America and the rest of the world face a looming battery manufacturing surplus. China’s production capacity significantly outstrips demand, Europe produces double the batteries its market requires, and North America’s capacity-to-demand ratio stands at 1.9. This analysis explores how the industry arrived at this point and discusses potential future scenarios.
Read the full story here.
7. Dispelling the Myth: EV Battery Replacements Are Not a Major Concern
While early electric vehicles like the first-generation Nissan Leaf and certain Chevy Bolt models experienced battery replacement issues, modern EV batteries are remarkably reliable. Experts confirm that random battery failures are exceedingly rare in contemporary EVs. Latest data indicates a replacement rate of just 0.3%, with batteries typically lasting at least 15 years without significant issues.
Read the full story here.
8. Lithium-Ion Batteries: The Grid’s New Lifeline
In an era where the electricity grid remains vulnerable to extreme weather and natural disasters, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are becoming indispensable. This year saw an increased number of automakers shifting focus towards energy storage solutions to counterbalance decreased EV battery demand. BESS technology allows for efficient storage and deployment of renewable energy, ensuring power availability even when renewable sources are intermittent. Experts weigh in on the economic and engineering distinctions between BESS and EV batteries.
Read the full story here.
9. China’s 100-Second EV Battery Swaps Are Now a Reality
While Nio has offered battery swapping in China for some time, battery giant CATL is set to revolutionize the process. Their innovative “Choco-SEB” batteries, designed like chocolate bars, can be swapped in a remarkable 100 seconds. This rapid, convenient solution is already operational in China and is poised for expansion, offering a glimpse into the future of EV refueling.
Read the full story here.
10. CATL’s Sodium-Ion EV Battery Shines in the Cold
The humble element of salt is now powering EVs in China through CATL’s innovative sodium-ion battery technology. Although sodium is far more abundant than lithium, its batteries have historically faced challenges in supply chain and scalability. Recognizing the potential, CATL launched its Naxtra sodium-ion subbrand, producing high- and low-voltage battery packs capable of operating efficiently even in extreme cold, down to -40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Read the full story here.
2025 was an extraordinary year for battery technology, and the pace of innovation shows no signs of slowing. Stay tuned to InsideEVs for continued coverage of the evolving energy storage landscape. Let us know in the comments if we missed any crucial developments!