July 24, 2025: Industry partners are considering a fresh round of support for continued research into next-generation technology by the American Battery Research Group (ABRG).
ABRG, an independent, trade-association managed platform under the leadership of Battery Council International, is recognized for innovative projects — notably via industry-funded work on previously undiscovered ‘expander’ molecules, which hold the promise of enhanced charging and discharge performance for lead batteries.
BCI said on July 22 that the expanders — known technically as crystallization aids in materials science — program, is focused on experimentation with new additives that can enhance the charging and discharge performance of lead-based batteries.
Given past successes and breakthroughs by ABRG, industry partners are considering a third round of support for this effort and continued partnership with Argonne National Laboratory in areas of electrochemistry and with the University of Toledo in the synthesis of model molecules.
ABRG’s first group of US battery manufacturers convened in 2022. The group, initially announced a year earlier, was founded to identify areas of scientific research to further the performance of lead batteries to meet energy storage goals.
Through partnerships with leading academic institutions and national laboratories, ABRG continues to explore new materials, optimizing battery lifecycles, and ensuring that energy storage solutions remain reliable, efficient, and environmentally responsible.
Meanwhile, BCI and ABRG will join researchers from US national labs at next month’s Department of Energy’s Office of Electricity peer review.
BCI said the annual event brings together researchers to discuss key areas of battery innovation.
This is always an important point of contact with the DOE program managers to better understand the forward-looking focus of the Office of Electricity, BCI said.
“Given broader changes in funding and oversight, it is critical for BCI and ABRG to continue the long-term partnership with DOE and renew its focus on bringing the opportunities of next-generation battery technology to the attention of public sector stakeholders.”
