Battery Technology Staff

Europe leads the charge when it comes to introducing battery electric cars (BEVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (H/EVs) to the collective masses, now holding the title of “world’s largest electric car market,” surpassing China earlier this year. In fact, BEV and HEV growth in the European region nearly doubled that of China from 2016 through 2020, locking in an annual growth rate of 60 percent from 2016 to 2020, compared with 36 percent in China.

While the global race toward zero emissions plays a significant role in advancing EV adoption, other notable factors are similarly responsible for growing the EV and advanced battery markets. Battery-cell manufacturers are increasing production tenfold, for example, to accommodate demand and further develop the technology. Similarly, Volkswagen recently announced plans to expand their global footprint and construct an all-new production plant in Germany.

As the advanced battery and EV markets continue to experience hyper-growth and gradually mature toward modernized production in the European region and globally, a critical need for industry connection comes with it. Serving as the industry’s premier industry conference and exhibition, The Battery Show Europe and Electric & Hybrid Vehicle Technology Expo Europe is slated for 30 November through 2 December at Messe Stuttgart in Germany.

With the event held this week, Battery Technology sat down with Rob Shelton, Event Director of The Battery Show and Electric & Hybrid Technology Expo Europe. We discussed what attendees can look forward to at the upcoming in-person event.

Battery Technology: Could you tell us about the event?

Rob Shelton: Given the rapid progression of the advanced battery and EV markets and the billions of dollars being injected into the battery factories and EV plants, we’ve produced an event that co-locates two renowned event brands: The Battery Show Europe and Electric & Hybrid Vehicle Technology Expo Europe. This year’s conference and exhibition are designed to accelerate market growth and create an environment for manufacturers, suppliers, engineers, thought leaders, and purchasers to connect with peers, network and learn, and ink new deals. 

Attendees will have the opportunity to explore the robust Expo floor that hosts more than 400 suppliers, tune into 37+ hours of forward-looking and technical education, and build new and nurture existing relationships during the ample networking opportunities available to registered attendees. Among the notable exhibitors signed on for the 2021 edition include Atlas Copco, BorgWarner, ChargePoint, DuPont, Henkel, Renault Group, Ricardo, Schunk, Siemens, TE Connectivity, Trumpf, Webasto, among many others.

If you are tackling issues like next-generation battery development, are looking to reduce manufacturing costs, searching for energy storage solutions, components and equipment across the entire battery supply chain, or are implementing new technology strategies for advanced battery design, you won’t want to miss next week’s event. 

BT: The education sounds compelling. Tell us more about the conference?

RS: Attendees can enjoy a seven-track conference that spans highly relevant topics including recycling, battery chemistry evolution, engineering and management, manufacturing and supply chains, EV and hybrid technology, EV battery charging stations, and materials – whether you’re looking to develop your knowledge or take away practical insights from key players and thought leaders across the advanced battery and H/EV supply chain, we have content for you.  

Our keynote lineup is unmatched, with each day of the event opening with a keynote address presented by senior leaders at Volvo Cars, Inobat, Freyr, Farasis, CATL, and NorthVolt, with panels moderated by Bloomberg New Energy Finance.

Day 1 Keynote: Becoming a Circular Business by 2040, Outlining Volvo’s Plans for Fully Integrating Sustainability into Car Manufacturing

Day 2 Keynote Panel: Driving Sustainable European Battery Manufacture to Meet Forecasted Demand

Day 3 Keynote: A Fireside Chat with Emma Nehrenheim, Chief Environmental Officer, NorthVolt

Further facilitating in-depth conversation, keynotes are immediately followed by a roundtable panel of top industry leaders that will discuss essential market disruptors of the last year and what they can expect to see. This year’s conference is gearing up to be the strongest to date, offering attendees the opportunity to engage with more than 30 sessions, lunch and learns, and rapid-fire presentations grouped by specific business, innovation, and specific manufacturing topics. You can find more information on the conference here.

BT: Networking is critical to industry advancement. What offerings are available to attendees?

RS: First and foremost, setting up onsite meetings is the best way to nurture existing and build new business relationships. I encourage all attendees to peruse through the 500+ suppliers exhibiting at the event and schedule one-on-one meetings to discover new technologies and solutions and ink deals.

Excitingly, we also offer ample networking opportunities. Two receptions, in particular, are designed for attendees to meet like-minded engineers, designers, and decision-makers over beverages and light bites at the Dining Hall from 16:00-18:00.

Tuesday 30 November is sponsored by Parker Lord and CASE

Wednesday 1 December is sponsored by Freudenberg

BT: Anything else to add?

RS: We understand attendees are looking to source cutting-edge products and solutions from providers across the advanced battery supply chain. In response, we’re bringing back one of the event’s most popular programs that attract hundreds of decision-makers and engineers year after year: The New Product Showcase.

The Showcase offers a first-hand look at revolutionary technologies and innovations via a series of 10-15-minute live product demos available on the show floor. The suppliers presenting must-attend demos include 3M, Alzner Battery, Beneq, Chep, Donaldson, Fischer, Henkel, JOT Automation, TE Connectivity, ThreeBond, Webasto, and Yazaki. You can view the full presentation schedule here to plan your agenda. 

Visit registration for the three-day conference and exhibition is open; secure your pass here today.