A comprehensive market study by HTF Market Intelligence highlights the rapid growth of the global second-life EV batteries market, projected to expand at a CAGR of 30.4% from 2025 to 2032, reaching USD 9.5 billion from USD 1.1 billion in 2025. The market focuses on repurposing retired electric vehicle batteries for energy storage applications such as renewable energy integration, grid stabilization, and residential and commercial backup power. Key players include Nissan, BMW, Tesla, BYD, CATL, Panasonic, and others. The Asia-Pacific region dominates the market, while Europe is the fastest-growing region. Growth is driven by rising EV adoption, declining repurposing costs, and supportive government policies, despite challenges like safety concerns, lack of standardization, and regulatory gaps. Market trends include increased investment in recycling infrastructure and the emergence of standardized testing methods for used batteries.

The World Economic Forum has revealed its 2025 cohort of Technology Pioneers, a group of 100 early-stage companies from 28 countries focused on cutting-edge innovations across diverse sectors. The cohort highlights a shift toward global innovation, with increased representation from Europe, China, and India, and a strong emphasis on frontier technologies such as AI, quantum computing, sustainable energy, space mining, and advanced robotics. The programme, now in its 25th year, celebrates greater diversity and broader geographical reach, with companies addressing global challenges like climate change, resource scarcity, and energy transition. Notable companies include Ideaon Technologies, Miru, HiNa Battery, Arcadia eFuels, Ascendance Flight Technologies, Jimmy, Quobly, Sweetch Energy, eleQtron, CynLr, Exponent Energy, The ePlane Co, LightSolver, ZutaCore, Hylium Industries, INBRAIN Neuroelectronics, Oxford Ionics, AstroForge, and Hertha Metals.

The article highlights 10 major manufacturing projects in 2025, including cancellations of clean energy and EV projects due to policy shifts, delays in construction, and new investments in semiconductors, batteries, and solar manufacturing. Key projects include Ford’s EV battery plant, Hyundai’s electric vehicle facility, and TSMC’s expansion in Arizona.

Hyundai Motor Group is increasing vertical integration in electric vehicles (EVs) to compete with BYD and Tesla, aiming to enhance in-house production of critical components like batteries, motors, and software. Industry estimates suggest Hyundai's vertical integration ratio for EVs is 40-50%, compared to 70-80% for BYD and 60-70% for Tesla. Hyundai plans a 2027 battery R&D center in Anseong, Gyeonggi Province, while Kia sources batteries from CATL. BYD and Tesla are also advancing vertical integration through battery production, mineral sourcing, and in-house software development.

Corning, a materials science company, acquired JA Solar's solar manufacturing facility in Phoenix, Arizona, to expand its presence in the U.S. solar supply chain. The facility, expected to produce 2 GW annually, is now operated by American Panel Solutions, a Corning subsidiary. This follows a U.S. government effort to restrict foreign materials in solar supply chains, including restrictions on Chinese-owned companies. Another recent acquisition involved Trina Solar's Texas facility by Freyr Battery.