The electrification of mobility is undeniably one of the most crucial elements in achieving net-zero emissions, serving as a central pillar of the automotive industry’s current transformation. Yet, after driving itself becomes carbon-free, a key question remains: can the act of charging also become part of sustainable transformation? Recently, Mercedes-Benz unveiled the ELF (Experimental-Lade-Fahrzeug) experimental charging vehicle—an integrated research platform that combines ultra-fast, bidirectional, solar, inductive, and conductive charging technologies. Acting as a mobile charging laboratory, ELF explores how “sustainability” can evolve from a conceptual goal into a tangible, testable, and applicable technological reality.

Although demand for electric vehicles in the U.S. has recently cooled, battery technology development has not slowed down. Recently, Cambridge-based startup 24M Technologies unveiled a new battery architecture called “SemiSolid” and ETOP (Electrode-to-Pack). Originating from laboratory research at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), this design claims to increase energy density within the same space, shorten charging times, and even reduce battery production costs. If successfully commercialized, it could become the next major breakthrough after Cell-to-Pack (CTP).

Following the earlier discussion of how the 2025 IAA Munich Auto Show reflects the auto industry’s transition toward becoming part of the broader mobility technology sector, it is also clear that batteries were another highlight worth paying close attention to. Several battery makers and automakers chose this stage to showcase their latest achievements. Rimac, in collaboration with ProLogium, introduced a prototype of its next-generation solid-state battery, while China’s Contemporary Amperex Technology Limited (CATL) presented an ultra-long-life LFP battery designed for the European market, as well as a “dual-chemistry” concept. These innovations target different aspects of performance, cost-efficiency, and flexible applications.

The European Union’s plan to completely ban the sale of carbon-emitting vehicles starting in 2035 has affected automakers’ new product planning and sparked significant controversy. Recently, Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius sharply criticized the policy in a media interview, warning that if implemented as scheduled, Europe’s auto market could face a “head-on crash.” The EU is set to conduct a formal review of the plan, ensuring that debate will intensify.

As the AI wave sweeps across the globe, energy demand is growing rapidly. Meanwhile, the electric vehicle industry has continued to expand in recent years. When EV batteries reach the end of their usable life, these retired batteries may become a new solution to meet the energy demands of the AI sector. Led by Tesla co-founder JB Straubel, Redwood Materials is working to repurpose these used EV batteries to build the largest second-life energy storage system in North America—an advancement in battery recycling technology.

Nissan recently announced the cancellation of its plan to build its first electric vehicle battery plant in Kitakyushu, Japan. Meanwhile, Toyota is also planning to postpone the construction schedule of its battery plant in the Shin-Matsuyama Coastal Industrial Zone near Kanda Port in Fukuoka Prefecture. These developments represent not only strategic adjustments for the two major automakers but also deal a significant blow to Japan’s broader industrial policy. At a time when the global EV industry is developing at high speed, Japan’s original plan to accelerate the construction of a domestic battery supply chain — aimed at preserving the international competitiveness of its auto industry — is now facing serious challenges.

On 21st April 21, at its inaugural CATL TECH DAY, Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited (CATL) unveiled three groundbreaking battery technologies: the Second-generation Shenxing Superfast Charging Battery, the Naxtra (Sodium-ion) Battery, and the Freevoy Dual-Power Battery. These innovations not only reaffirm CATL’s global leadership in battery technology but also mark major advancements in charging efficiency, extreme temperature adaptability, and multi-chemistry integration. Each of these technologies offers stark contrast to current mainstream solutions and has the potential to reshape the trajectory of the electric vehicle (EV) industry.