This is a great article on one of the most important technological innovations of the last 50 years.
Your conclusions are particularly strong. The old Silicon Valley mantra about “First Mover Advantage” is clearly not the rule. In fact, I would argue that it is the exception.
Plus the relationship between Basic Science and launching a viable product is much more complex than most people realize.
One reason there is a trend towards larger battery cells is higher specific energy because of nonlinear scaling of different materials that make up a cell.
Making cells larger was not possible for nickel-based chemistries due to thermal issues, but is possible for LFP batteries. That’s why you see “Blade” or 300Ah LFP batteries but not NMC.
Great article! As a PhD student working on battery tech, it is always fun to see batteries being discussed. One small correction is that lithium ion batteries use lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF6), not LiF6.
Portable power tools drove Li battery progress for 20 years. Consumer electronics mostly used NiMH which was much cheaper and had no safety issues. The few exceptions were small format. When EVs showed up they used power tool batteries, which was why it was Panasonic not Sony who moved forward.
You overlooked probably the most important part of the commercial story. If not for power tools, we would be far behind the curve on EVs and storage today.
Great article, full of insight. It was a privilege to work with Michael Thackeray. If my recollection is correct, Dr Brian Clark, who became the President of the CSIR, granted him the sabbatical.
This is a great article on one of the most important technological innovations of the last 50 years.
Your conclusions are particularly strong. The old Silicon Valley mantra about “First Mover Advantage” is clearly not the rule. In fact, I would argue that it is the exception.
Plus the relationship between Basic Science and launching a viable product is much more complex than most people realize.
There’s no exemption whatsoever; the first mover advantage has never worked. In practice the winners exercise a last mover advantage
I assume the subtext is the bankruptcy of Northvolt?
One reason there is a trend towards larger battery cells is higher specific energy because of nonlinear scaling of different materials that make up a cell.
Making cells larger was not possible for nickel-based chemistries due to thermal issues, but is possible for LFP batteries. That’s why you see “Blade” or 300Ah LFP batteries but not NMC.
Great article! As a PhD student working on battery tech, it is always fun to see batteries being discussed. One small correction is that lithium ion batteries use lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF6), not LiF6.
Shows how bad capitalism is .things move by chance and luck
It's the worst economic system, except for all the others.
No.socialism is better
This was brilliant. Just saw this tweet and you came to mind immediately. About innovation in single photon avalanche diodes making xray and radar more accessible https://x.com/sdamico/status/1863487947233972248?t=yBiSJsNUdjT0-nKyq7u5MA&s=19
Portable power tools drove Li battery progress for 20 years. Consumer electronics mostly used NiMH which was much cheaper and had no safety issues. The few exceptions were small format. When EVs showed up they used power tool batteries, which was why it was Panasonic not Sony who moved forward.
You overlooked probably the most important part of the commercial story. If not for power tools, we would be far behind the curve on EVs and storage today.
Learnt so much even after having spent years working with the tech. Excellent research!
Great article, full of insight. It was a privilege to work with Michael Thackeray. If my recollection is correct, Dr Brian Clark, who became the President of the CSIR, granted him the sabbatical.
Excellent and informative as always