March 9, 2023: Cabot is opening a new lab in Germany to help boost lithium ion battery tech for EVs — but the materials firm told Batteries International it remains committed to also supporting development of next-generation lead batteries.
The Europe, Middle East and Africa region center, in Münster, will start operations by next month, the firm said on March 6.
The facility’s lab will support work on Cabot’s full range of conductive carbon additive (CCA) products as well as fumed alumina for separator and cathode coatings and aerogel for thermal management.
Cabot plans to expand the facility next year but did not disclose production or investment details.
Senior VP and CTO Patricia Hubbard said the facility would “better meet the unique requirements of our battery and EV customers across a range of critical battery applications”.
However, Cabot remains committed to advancing new technologies that meet performance needs of lead acid battery manufacturers, a spokesperson told BESB on March 7.
“These solutions include PBX conductive carbon additives and ENERSIL fumed silica products, which are designed for use in lead acid battery applications and are used by customers in Europe and across the globe.”
Cabot has application testing capabilities for lead acid batteries at its research and development facility in Massachusetts and is a member of the Consortium for Battery Innovation.
CBI membership “provides a unique platform for Cabot to engage with stakeholders across the entire battery value chain to help develop the next generation of advanced lead batteries”, the spokesperson said.