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BattMan aims to turbocharge US batteries without robbin' critical minerals

Mobility1 min read

The US Department of Energy is backing a new group called BattMan. It brings national labs, universities, and companies together to help new battery technologies move from the lab into American factories.

What happened

America's national labs are leading a team called the Battery Manufacturing Accelerator, or BattMan. The team wants to take new battery storage ideas out of the lab and build them in US factories. Many good battery ideas never make it past the lab, and BattMan wants to fix that. Companies and groups can apply to join.

Why batteries need help

Batteries store energy for power grids, data centers, and electric cars. Today's batteries hold less energy for their size than fuels such as petroleum. Lithium-ion batteries can catch fire, and they cost a lot to make. They also need raw materials that are hard to get. Researchers want batteries that are safer, cheaper, faster to charge, and easier to build.

Key facts

  • Pacific Northwest National Laboratory leads the group.
  • Partners include Oak Ridge, Argonne, and National Laboratory of the Rockies.
  • Universities include the University of Washington, Binghamton, University of Alabama, Arizona State, and University of Michigan-Dearborn.
  • Oak Ridge National Laboratory adds its Battery Manufacturing Facility for testing.

How it plans to work

BattMan will use AI to watch factory machines as they run. The plan is to build smart production lines that spot problems early and adjust settings on their own to stop defects. The group also wants to find battery materials that are common in the US, so it does not depend on scarce minerals.

Why it matters

Batteries are key to the power grid, data centers, and electric cars. The Department of Energy says the work will help decide America's energy security and economic strength for decades. If it works, new batteries could be made in the US faster and with less reliance on minerals from other countries.

Glossary

BattMan
A government-backed group that helps move new battery technology from the lab into factories.

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