[SMM Analysis: In-Depth Analysis of Anode Prelithiation Technology Panorama and Industrialisation Progress] Anode prelithiation is a key technology that pre-supplements active lithium into silicon-based anodes to compensate for the irreversible capacity loss during the initial charge-discharge cycle, aiming to overcome the industrialisation bottleneck of low initial coulombic efficiency and poor cycling stability of silicon-based anodes.

On June 11, Lithium Ionic announced that it has placed the first long-lead equipment order for its Bandeira lithium project, located in the Lithium Valley region of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The order covers a 138/13.8 kV main power transformer for the project’s internal substation. The equipment will be supplied by Brazilian manufacturer Blutrafos. According to the company, the transformer is a critical-path item that must be secured in advance of construction. The order marks the formal commencement of long-lead equipment procurement and indicates that the Bandeira project is gradually progressing from the engineering phase toward construction readiness. Lithium Ionic stated that overall engineering progress at Bandeira has reached approximately 65%. To support detailed engineering and construction planning, the company has completed 1,352 metres of geotechnical drilling across the project area. The capital expenditure estimate is also being updated based on the latest engineering work, while additional long-lead equipment packages are expected to move forward through tendering and procurement. The Bandeira project is 100% owned by Lithium Ionic and is located in Minas Gerais, one of Brazil’s key lithium-producing regions.

The Qinghai Salt Lake Institute of the Chinese Academy of Sciences recently achieved a major breakthrough in lithium extraction and separation technology from salt lakes. By independently designing and synthesizing a new-type lithium-specific extractant, the institute successfully overcame the technical bottleneck of efficiently separating lithium, sodium, and potassium ions from lithium precipitation mother liquor. Furthermore, it systematically resolved the technical challenges of traditional extraction systems in terms of environmental protection, safety, and cost control. This advancement can increase the overall lithium ion recovery rate in lithium carbonate production by 15% to 20%, reduce costs by 30%, and lower water and energy consumption by more than 30% compared to industry standards.

Toyota has officially opened its first North American lithium-ion battery plant in Liberty, North Carolina, with a total investment of $13.9 billion. Initially announced in 2021, the facility is designed to have an annual capacity of 30 GWh, enough to power about 300,000 electric vehicles. Currently, the plant focuses on producing batteries for hybrid vehicles and began supplying Toyota’s Kentucky assembly plant in June, providing batteries for models such as the Camry and RAV4. Three of the planned 14 production lines are already operating. The plant will later produce plug-in hybrid and full EV batteries, including for a new three-row electric SUV expected around 2026–2027. Toyota continues to follow its multi-pathway electrification strategy, arguing that widespread hybrid adoption can deliver greater emission reductions. The company refers to its “1-6-90 rule”, meaning the materials for one BEV battery could produce six PHEV or 90 hybrid batteries. Unlike many U.S. plants that only make battery cells, Toyota’s Liberty facility integrates the entire production process—from cell manufacturing to module assembly and materials processing, explaining its higher investment cost compared to similar-capacity plants.

(Yicai) Oct. 9 -- A research team led by Huang Xuejie, a professor at the Chinese Academy of Sciences' Institute of Physics, is developing the world's first technology to achieve "zero external pressure sulfide electrolyte all-solid-state lithium battery," which offers a solution for such batteries' interface challenges that hinder their mass production.

Golden Feather delivered the "Infinity" all-solid-state battery. The "Shanhai" series passed extreme tests such as gunshot impacts with no safety concerns, supports 12-minute fast charging, and will enter mass production in Q4 this year. The delivery value of the "Infinity" quasi-solid-state battery exceeded 10 million.