on innovations from chemistry," said Dr. Andreas Fischer, Vice President Battery Research and Electrochemistry at BASF, in Ludwigshafen/Germany. Especially cathodes, anodes and electrolytes are important for battery performance. "A battery is a chemical power plant in which all the materials have to be optimally matched to each other," added Fischer. "We have therefore initiated numerous research and development projects for these key components in recent years, with the aim of developing innovative materials for high-performance batteries that will significantly increase the range of electric cars while reducing the cost of the battery."

BASF researchers also operate a joint laboratory for the development of new battery materials with the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT). The two partners are looking to invest about EUR12 million over the next five years.

In February 2012 BASF acquired the US company Ovonic Battery Company, the world leader in nickel-metal hydride batteries (NiMH batteries). Another milestone is BASF‘s first production plant for cathode materials in Elyria, USA.

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