Battery Insiders

Battery Associates

Battery Insiders is a podcast produced by Battery Associates that covers the topic of batteries and how they can contribute to a sustainable world. The podcast features a diverse range of experts and is hosted by Bhavya Jha, Mariam Awara, and Dr. Simon Engelke. The episodes feature live recordings from Clubhouse, session reflections, and in-person video podcast recordings.

  1. 09/24/2025

    In conversation with Yann Vincent, CEO of ACC

    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 manufacturingACC's origin story and its vision for Europe's battery independenceBattery cell costs, local supply chains, chemistry choices, and EU regulationsThe impact of electric vehicle (EV) demand on expansion plans and ACC's financing strategiesACC's sustainability efforts, potential moves beyond automotive into energy storage and next-generation battery technologiesThe importance of local supply chains and partnerships with European battery material suppliersChallenges 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

    58 min
  2. 12/24/2024

    Exploring Hytzer solid-state batteries

    In this episode, Dr. Xi Dou, co-founder and CEO of Hytzer Energy, discusses the current state and future potential of solid-state batteries (SSBs). He highlights their advantages, including higher energy density, much higher power density and intrinsically improved safety compared to traditional lithium-ion and other solid-state batteries, and explains the scientific and manufacturing challenges that hinder solid-state battery's commercialization in general. The conversation touches on the root causes of thermal run-away mechanism in conventional lithium-ion batteries and highlights why solid-state batteries address this safety issue; cost reduction potential, with polymer-based SSBs being more compatible with existing production lines. Dr. Dou also outlines key market applications with stringent safety requirements and demanding performance, such as flying taxis and premium electric vehicles. He further describes ongoing innovations, including advanced designs of lithium-metal anodes and anode-free batteries. He concludes with insights into future advancements, including batteries with energy densities exceeding 500 Wh/kg, and the readiness of large-format SSBs for commercial applications. BatteryMBA is an accredited online training program focused on the battery industry. It offers a 12-week course with live and recorded sessions taught by top industry experts. Participants gain in-depth technical and business knowledge, covering various battery topics. The program includes weekly live interactive sessions, access to past and future lecture recordings, and opportunities for networking with a global community of battery professionals. Scholarships are available Website: https://www.battery.mba.

    23 min
4.8
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

Battery Insiders is a podcast produced by Battery Associates that covers the topic of batteries and how they can contribute to a sustainable world. The podcast features a diverse range of experts and is hosted by Bhavya Jha, Mariam Awara, and Dr. Simon Engelke. The episodes feature live recordings from Clubhouse, session reflections, and in-person video podcast recordings.