Global Competition and Strategic Transformation in Automotive Battery Technologies

Seminar on Global Automotive Battery Competition

On November 25, 2025, a significant seminar titled "Global Competition and Strategic Transformation in Automotive Battery Technologies" will be conducted by Professor Noboru Sato from Nagoya University. This session promises to provide deep insights into the shifting landscape of the automotive battery industry in light of recent global policy changes.

Seminar Details

The seminar will delve into the impact of the recently enacted U.S. Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which previously supported electric vehicles (EVs) and battery manufacturing through favorable policies but was rescinded in September 2025. This alteration will undoubtedly shake up the automotive sector and the battery manufacturing industry. Furthermore, the European Union's new battery regulation, effective since August 2023, imposes stringent rules regarding carbon footprints and material recycling in battery production, putting additional pressure on manufacturers to adapt.

Amid these transformations, the automotive and battery sectors face urgent challenges and the need for swift responses. Safety issues have also emerged as a primary concern, with a notable number of incidents involving electric vehicles primarily related to local Chinese EV manufacturers and Tesla. However, since mid-2019, many incidents have been reported involving overseas EVs and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) equipped with Samsung’s lithium-ion batteries. In contrast, Japanese battery manufacturers have maintained a clean record over decades with no fire incidents attributed to their vehicles. The seminar will explore the reasons behind this stark difference.

Topics Covered

The lecture will encompass a wide range of topics including:
1. Electrification of Vehicles and Battery Strategies
- Policy directions for electrification across various nations.
- Supply chain dynamics between automotive companies and battery producers.
- Government subsidies for EV battery factories and subsequent strategic adjustments.
- The pressing need for Japanese automakers in battery strategies.

2. Development Competition in Lithium-Ion Batteries
- Overview of global battery industry dynamics.
- Analysis of market shares and types of battery forms for vehicles.
- Price reduction strategies necessary in the Japanese battery material industry.

3. Fire Incidents Related to Automotive Batteries
- Recent recalls and fire incidents associated with EVs/PHEVs and their causes.
- Contrasting safety initiatives in South Korea and China.
- The importance of collaboration among academia, industry, and government in enhancing battery reliability.

4. Recycling of Lithium-Ion Batteries
- Breakdown of LIB components and recycling processes.
- Japanese challenges within the recycling sector, alongside examples of effective practices.

5. Development Status of Next-Generation Batteries
- The comparative positions of current lithium-ion batteries and next-gen counterparts like all-solid-state batteries.
- Insights into research developments and the potential of solid electrolyte materials with government-backed support.

6. Japan's Strengths and Challenges
- Strategies for enhancing Japan's competitiveness in the battery industry and addressing tangible issues.

Conclusion

The event will conclude with a Q&A session, allowing attendees to engage directly with Professor Sato and delve deeper into critical topics. This seminar aims to equip industry professionals with the knowledge and foresight necessary to navigate the complexities of the evolving automotive battery landscape.

For inquiries:
New Society System Research Institute
Address: 2-6-2 Nishishinjuku, Minato, Tokyo
Email: [email protected]
URL: SSK Event Page

About SSK
Established in December 1996, New Society System Research Institute (SSK) specializes in providing high-level business seminars aimed at various industries, promoting strategy and technology dissemination essential for organizational growth.