The Energy Department's Clean Energy Manufacturing Analysis Center (CEMAC) today announced the release of Automotive Lithium-ion Battery Supply Chain and U.S. Competitiveness Considerations, its first research product. CEMAC's analysis shows how, with increasing demand for electric and hybrid electric vehicles and with lithium-ion battery (LIB) producers locating in close proximity to automotive manufacturers, the United States has a growing opportunity in automotive LIBs. As companies make further investments in United States-based automotive LIB manufacturing, America has potential to be a leader in the current $9 billion global automotive LIB market, which is expected to reach $14.3 billion by 2020.

CEMAC's analysis takes a comprehensive look at the LIB supply chain and U.S. competitiveness in relation to the global market for LIBs. It highlights how the United States already has a foothold in global automotive LIB production, with United States-based manufacturers comprising 17% of global production capacity. This analysis will provide the Energy Department, industry, and policymakers with an objective look at the factors affecting LIB manufacturing competitiveness and contribute strategic information that can be used to inform future clean energy manufacturing research and development. 

Technological advancements, such as robust battery cells and modules—currently under development by the Energy Department and its private-sector partners—can boost automotive LIB manufacturing in the United States by reducing battery cost, increasing battery life, and improving performance. The Energy Department accelerates innovation in these areas to help advance automotive LIB technology and unleash cost reductions that will enable more people to purchase and use electric vehicles. 

CEMAC, a part of the Joint Institute for Strategic Energy Analysis (JISEA)—based at our National Renewable Energy Laboratory—works with industry and academia to deliver credible, timely, reliable analyses of clean energy technology supply chains, global trade flows, and other factors that drive manufacturing strategy. The Center develops innovative models and tools, and it publishes high-impact results that support decision-makers' efforts to promote economic growth and the transition to a clean energy economy.

This effort is part of the Department's broader Clean Energy Manufacturing Initiative (CEMI), which aims to increase American competitiveness in the production of clean energy products and boost U.S. manufacturing competitiveness across the board by increasing energy productivity. More information about this analysis and other clean energy manufacturing research and analyses can be found on CEMAC's website. To learn more about the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy's Vehicles Technology Office, please visit vehicles.energy.gov.