Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič would like to see battery production in Slovakia. (source: Courtesy of Greenway)
The most expensive and essential component of e-mobility is the battery. Today, battery technologies still do not reach the parameters of use by the general public, but this could change in the near future.
The EU is responding to the need for batteries by creating a battery alliance ecosystem. If Europe wants to create jobs and remain the global leader in the automotive industry and clean energy systems, it has to master strategic technology like batteries, says Maroš Šefčovič, the European Commission’s Vice-President for Energy Union.
“We have started at the eleventh hour, but I am confident that we have what it takes to build our strategic independence in the battery sector,” Šefčovič told The Slovak Spectator.
The battery sector could be worth €250 billion annually from 2025 onwards, added Šefčovič. However, Asia has a slight lead.
“I think everyone understands that remaining dependent on the Asian markets is not an option,” Šefčovič said.
Batteries in Slovakia
Slovakia is still the leader per capita in car production, but must mass produce or buy batteries from abroad to keep up. Batteries are needed to power vehicles and store energy in intelligent energy networks, according to Soňa Veveričková, project manager at the Research Institute of Transport (VÚD).
