Cambridge EnerTech’s

xEV Battery Applications

Applications for the Future Growth of Electric Vehicles Globally & SAE's Joint Peer-Reviewed Program

24-25 June 2025


With the rapid growth of vehicle electrification globally, automakers are tasked with creating vehicles that not only adhere to strict emission standards but also captivate customers and deliver solid financial returns. To meet these demands, the industry must focus on key aspects such as cost reduction, improved energy densities, expedited charging solutions, and robust safety and durability measures. This conference will delve into the emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities that will fuel future growth, showcasing how leading companies are navigating this dynamic environment.

In addition, SAE has partnered with AABC to host a technical section within this conference featuring peer-reviewed published papers of the latest research helping to drive future of EV batteries. SAE provides thought leaders the opportunity to reach this target-rich audience through its extensive peer-reviewed manuscript process so engineers can learn and keep for ongoing reference value. We ask you to consider submitting an abstract for consideration that is focused on technology that will fuel the next generation of battery development.


Monday, 23 June

08:00Registration Open

Tuesday, 24 June

07:30Registration and Morning Coffee

08:30Organiser's Remarks

Craig Wohlers, General Manager, Cambridge EnerTech

SAE PEER-REVIEWED R&D FOR xEV APPLICATIONS

08:35

Chairperson's Remarks

Sze-Sze Ng, Principal Technical Service Scientist, Dow

08:40

Sustainable Design of Automotive Batteries

Andreas Braun, Product Area Manager, Battery Systems & Methodology, AVL Deutschland GmbH

Martin Rothbart, Senior Product Manager, Energy & Sustainability, AVL List GmbH

The shift to electrification in the automotive industry increases CO2 emissions during production. Thus, manufacturers must optimise the entire product lifecycle, focusing on battery design, which impacts material selection, manufacturing, use, and recycling. This paper discusses sustainable battery design parameters, quick wins, and their effects on safety, costs, and lifespan. It also explores future eco-design trends and provides guidelines for improving lifecycle CO2 impact and recycling efficiency.

09:00

CFD-Based Performance Evaluation of Immersion Cooling Fluids for Lithium-Ion Battery Modules

Carlos Mico, PhD, Professor, Universitat Politècnica de València

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are critical components in electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy systems. However, conventional cooling techniques for LIBs often struggle to efficiently dissipate heat during fast charging and discharging, potentially compromising performance and safety. This study investigates the thermal performance of immersion cooling applied to an Electric Vehicle (EV) battery module comprised of NMC-chemistry-based cylindrical 21700 format Lithium-ion cells. The effectiveness of immersion cooling in reducing maximum cell temperature, temperature gradient, cell-to-cell temperature differential, and pressure drop within the battery module is evaluated on a detailed 3D model of a 360-cell immersion-cooled battery module that was developed, incorporating a well-established heat generation model based on theoretical analysis and experimental data to simulate the thermal characteristics of the battery system . The effects of the different fluid properties are first assessed, resulting in higher heat transfer coefficients with lower fluid viscosity values and high specific heats. Density and thermal conductivity effects are also obtained. Subsequently, a set of different fluids are introduced into the model to obtain which one returned the best thermal performance. Results demonstrate that under transient operating conditions, such as a WLTP driving cycle, the temperature increase of the cells remains limited, resulting in minimal differences in performance between the tested fluids. However, under more demanding scenarios, such as fast charging and high C-rate, significant differences in thermal performance among the fluids emerge. These findings enhance our understanding of battery immersion cooling technology and provide novel insights for optimizing battery thermal management systems through computational fluid dynamics (CFD).

09:20

Mechanical Testing and Modelling of Lithium-Ion Cells for EV Safety

Huzefa Patanwala, Graduate Research Assistant, Electric Vehicle Safety Lab, Temple University

This study investigates the mechanical response of pouch and prismatic lithium-ion battery (LIB) cells under quasi-static and dynamic loading conditions to enhance EV battery safety. A full suite of quasi-static tests was conducted at 0% SOC, while dynamic testing was performed on a limited set of load cases to mimic real-world crash scenarios. Additional dynamic impact testing was conducted for pouch cells at 100% SOC and varying impact speeds. A finite element model (FEA) was developed to predict cell behaviour. The findings provide key insights into how form factor, impact speed, and SOC influence battery behavior and failure mechanisms.

09:40 MODERATED Q&A:

Session Wrap-Up

PANEL MODERATOR:

Sze-Sze Ng, Principal Technical Service Scientist, Dow

PANELISTS:

Martin Rothbart, Senior Product Manager, Energy & Sustainability, AVL List GmbH

Carlos Mico, PhD, Professor, Universitat Politècnica de València

Huzefa Patanwala, Graduate Research Assistant, Electric Vehicle Safety Lab, Temple University

10:00Grand Opening Coffee Break in the Exhibit Hall with Poster Viewing

MARKET EXPANSION OF xEVs AND THEIR BATTERIES

10:55

Chairperson's Remarks

Michael Harenbrock, PhD, Principal Expert, Engineering Electric Mobility, MANN+HUMMEL GmbH

11:00 KEYNOTE PRESENTATION:

The Ultra High-Power Battery for the New 911 Hybrid

Otmar Bitsche, PhD, Director, E-Mobility, Porsche AG

This presentation will include a brief view on the system and the related requirements for the battery pack, the battery itself (Pack design, cooling, etc.) and the cell (Varta v4Drive).

11:20 KEYNOTE PRESENTATION:

New Technologies and Cell Chemistries: The Future of the Standardised HV Battery at Volkswagen

Rouven Scheffler, Head of Technology Development & Simulation, Volkswagen

Volkswagen AG plans to massively increase the proportion of electric vehicles by 2030. The focus of battery development is on attractive products in the segments Affordable, Range, and Performance. With the help of standardised components, the complexity and diversity of variants in the development, series production, after-sales, and recycling of HV batteries will be minimised. At the same time, this standardisation enables the shortening of development cycles and thus the use of new technologies and cell chemistries, which will be highlighted in the presentation.

11:40 Game Changers: The Future in Battery Technologies 

Zixi Wang, Vice President of Global Sales & Product Strategy, A123 Systems GmbH

Zixi Wang, Vice President of Global Sales & Product Strategy at A123 Systems GmbH, explores the transformative potential of semi-solid-state batteries in shaping the next generation of electric vehicles (EVs) – for both, passenger and commercial applications. The presentation also examines the rise of lithium metal batteries, highlighting their high energy density and fast-charging capabilities, making them ideal for high-performance EVs, aviation, and long-haul commercial applications. Together, these innovations represent a crucial leap forward in reliability, efficiency, and customer value across the electric mobility landscape.

12:00 MODERATED Q&A:

Session Wrap-Up

PANEL MODERATOR:

Michael Harenbrock, PhD, Principal Expert, Engineering Electric Mobility, MANN+HUMMEL GmbH

PANELISTS:

Otmar Bitsche, PhD, Director, E-Mobility, Porsche AG

Rouven Scheffler, Head of Technology Development & Simulation, Volkswagen

Zixi Wang, Vice President of Global Sales & Product Strategy, A123 Systems GmbH

12:20Networking Luncheon

13:15Dessert Break in the Exhibit Hall with Poster Viewing

MARKET EXPANSION OF xEVs AND THEIR BATTERIES

13:45

Chairperson's Remarks

Arnold Lamm, PhD, Founder & Executive Director, E-Mobility, e-Technologies GmbH

13:50

Update on Mercedes Battery Portfolio and Technology

Tobias Handschuh, PhD, Senior Manager, Mercedes Benz AG

This update highlights advancements in Mercedes-Benz's battery portfolio and technology, including innovations in battery chemistry, design, and sustainability. Emphasis is placed on improving performance, efficiency, and lifecycle management to meet the demands of next generation electric vehicles. These developments reflect Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to cutting-edge energy solutions and the future of sustainable mobility.

14:10

Smart Battery Design for Trucks: Adapting to Use Cases and Conditions

Kristina Pfeifer, PhD, R&D Engineer, Product Engineering, Daimler Truck AG

Electric trucks require batteries designed to meet diverse operational needs, from long-haul journeys to urban deliveries, influenced by various factors. This talk explores how to optimise battery systems by adapting them to specific use cases, external conditions, and customer requirements. Key topics include battery sizing, energy efficiency, and thermal management, along with strategies for developing robust, durable solutions that meet the unique demands of modern trucking.

14:30

Are European OEMs on Track to Meet Their 2025 CO2 Targets?

Will Roberts, Automotive Research Lead, Rho Motion

This session will cover the dynamics and latest trends of the EV market, both from the global context and by taking a deeper dive into Europe. New EU CO2 emission standards in 2025 mean it is set to be a testing year for OEMs; the talk will explore who is on track and where work is needed to avoid potential fines. We will also look to 2030 where a more significant change in emission standards will come in and discuss how the market can get there. EV cost parity and the latest regional battery trends will also be discussed.

14:50 MODERATED Q&A:

Session Wrap-Up

PANEL MODERATOR:

Arnold Lamm, PhD, Founder & Executive Director, E-Mobility, e-Technologies GmbH

PANELISTS:

Tobias Handschuh, PhD, Senior Manager, Mercedes Benz AG

Kristina Pfeifer, PhD, R&D Engineer, Product Engineering, Daimler Truck AG

Will Roberts, Automotive Research Lead, Rho Motion

15:10Refreshment Break in the Exhibit Hall with Poster Viewing

15:40

Delivering EV Range and Value through Innovation

Andy Oury, Battery Engineer and Business Planning Manager, General Motors

General Motors is building an electrification powerhouse, having launched a dozen EVs into the market, ranging from the Equinox EV to the Cadillac Escalade IQ.  Now, we are pioneering next-generation battery technology and manufacturing, such as prismatic can cells with LMR, scaling production, and securing a resilient supply chain to drive down costs and compete globally.  Mr. Oury will provide an update on GM’s battery strategy, focusing on engineering the right battery for the right vehicle—aligning performance, cost, and range with customer needs.

16:00

From Chemistry to Commercialisation: Developing Battery Cell Specifications for EVs

Maithri Venkat, Manager—Battery Cell Lifetime and Parameterization, Lucid Motors, Inc.

Defining battery cell specifications for electric vehicles requires balancing performance, safety, and cost targets. This presentation examines key parameters, including energy density, cycle life, and fast-charging capabilities, alongside considerations for thermal management and manufacturability. Focus will be given to aligning cell chemistry advancements with vehicle design requirements and supply chain realities, ensuring robust specifications that enable innovation and scalability in the EV market.

16:20 Ensuring EV Battery Quality in a World of Uncertainty

Tal Sholklapper, CEO & Co-Founder, Executive, Voltaiq, Inc.

The global battery market is experiencing an oversupply of low-cost cells, spurring new applications but raising concerns over quality and downstream costs like returns and recalls. Amid fierce competition, particularly from China’s dominance, as well as regulatory and tariff uncertainty, the industry faces significant challenges. This session explores strategies for battery producers and OEMs to navigate these pressures, emphasizing supply chain management and ensuring product quality throughout the lifecycle.

16:40 MODERATED Q&A:

Session Wrap-Up

PANEL MODERATOR:

Arnold Lamm, PhD, Founder & Executive Director, E-Mobility, e-Technologies GmbH

PANELISTS:

Andy Oury, Battery Engineer and Business Planning Manager, General Motors

Maithri Venkat, Manager—Battery Cell Lifetime and Parameterization, Lucid Motors, Inc.

Tal Sholklapper, CEO & Co-Founder, Executive, Voltaiq, Inc.

17:00Networking Reception in the Exhibit Hall with Poster Viewing

18:00Close of Day

Wednesday, 25 June

08:00Registration Open and Morning Coffee

08:15Organiser's Remarks

Craig Wohlers, General Manager, Cambridge EnerTech

08:20

Chairperson's Remarks

John Kwon, General Counsel of Global Legal & Strategy, Contemporary Amperex Technology Limited (CATL)

VENTURE PARTNERING

08:25 KEYNOTE PANEL DISCUSSION:

World-Wide Venture – How Leveraging International Partnerships Can Level-Up the Innovation Ecosystem

PANEL MODERATOR:

Ulderico Ulissi, PhD, Head of Overseas Tech & Start-up Cooperation, CATL

Strategic partnering is key to the success of an early-stage start-up. This featured panel of international experts will provide key insights into the state of investment opportunities and how these start-ups can be prepared to successfully navigate the VC and CVC landscape. The panel will also preview the Rise and Pitch breakout sessions taking place shortly after the panel discussion. Key areas that will be addressed by the panel will include:

  • How can International VCs and CVCs effectively engage with EU startups and what do they need to show? 
  • What can EU startups leverage by working with international VCs and CVCs?
  • From early stage to late stage, what strategies should companies use to effectively manage IP?
  • For start-ups there is a huge potential benefit to working with a large established company, but there is also risk, or fear, of IP leakage amongst other things. How should startups think about these pros and cons?
  • How to structure successful partnerships with European startups? And how do these partnerships change across geographies? 
  • What are the big trends in battery technology and energy storage, or more broadly climate tech? 
PANELISTS:

Oliver Gottfried, PhD, Business Fellow at Breakthrough Energy & Head of Operational Strategy for AI Startups at MIT Sloan School of Management

Christopher Cobbold, Corporate Development, Huawei Technologies

Aurianne Legris, Strategic Investments and Venture Partnerships, Europe & Africa, Honda Innovations, Co., Ltd.

Theodora Preda, Principal, Plug and Play Tech Center

xEV BATTERY TECHNOLOGY

08:55 Choices, Challenges, and Opportunities in Engineering Immersion Cooling Systems for Next-Generation EV Batteries

Dr. Volker Null, Technology Manager Thermal & Dielectric Fluids, Shell

Could immersion cooling gain traction as a mainstream thermal management solution to support next-generation EV platforms at scale? Drawing from recent safety and abuse testing across multiple cell chemistries and form factors, this session examines how immersive designs can address critical thermal challenges while unlocking new design and integration opportunities. Key topics include fluid dynamics and material compatibility, performance and cost optimization, vehicle systems integration, and circularity.

09:15 Forging a New Path, Why Radical Innovation is the Only Way to Win the Battery Race

Ulrik Grape, President, European Operations, 24M Technologies Inc

We’re at a turning point for battery technology. Outside of Asia, we cannot follow the old playbook and play catch-up if we expect to survive. It's time to change course – from imitation to innovation. We must rethink decades-old battery design and complicated manufacturing process from the ground up, with a focus on performance, cost and safety. We’ll explore ways to leapfrog competition and show how 24M is creating a new foundation we can build on for the future.

09:35

R5 Electric: Some Highlights on V2G From Cell Point of View

Pierre Tran-Van, PhD, Scientist, Renault SAS

The R5 Electric was launched last fall, featuring a pack architecture with big modules and mid-nickel/graphite pouch cells. Bidirectional charger allows the use of vehicle-to-grid application. This presentation will revolve on the assessment of V2G impact on cell durability.

09:55 New Styrene-butadiene Rubber (SBR) Binders for Anode to Improve Fast Charging Performance and Energy Density

Stella Deheryan, Application Manager, ENEOS Materials Europe Belgium BV

ENEOS Materials Corporation is a manufacturer of binder materials for lithium ion battery and has a large variety of binder products for anode, cathode and solid state battery. Currently, the improvements of fast charging performance and high energy density are drawing strong attention for the market expansion of electric vehicles. This presentation will show anode binder products for these technical demands and the improvement mechanism from the aspects of the binder and electrode properties.

10:15 MODERATED Q&A:

Session Wrap-Up

PANEL MODERATOR:

John Kwon, General Counsel of Global Legal & Strategy, Contemporary Amperex Technology Limited (CATL)

PANELISTS:

Ulrik Grape, President, European Operations, 24M Technologies Inc

Pierre Tran-Van, PhD, Scientist, Renault SAS

Stella Deheryan, Application Manager, ENEOS Materials Europe Belgium BV

10:30-12:30 BREAKOUT SESSION:

Rise & Pitch Partnering Event at AABC Europe - Connecting Early-Stage Startups with Investors and Strategic Partners - Location: Dijon Room

Ulderico Ulissi, PhD, Head of Overseas Tech & Start-up Cooperation, CATL

Are you on the brink of a significant breakthrough in energy storage and preparing for a seed or Series A round? We invite the most forward-thinking innovators, entrepreneurs, and visionaries in energy storage who are ready to elevate their startups and present their companies and technology to esteemed investors and strategics.

The Rise and Pitch Partnering Event will take place on 25 June from 10:30-12:30 where startups are invited to schedule one-on-one meetings with a list of potential investors from VC, CVC, and strategic partners. Each 1-1 meeting will run for 10 minutes, where the investor and startup will discuss potential investment and partnering opportunities. This format aims to allow for maximum networking opportunities.

🔋 Why You Should Present:  

  • Present to key players in the battery and energy ecosystem and investor community
  • Get actionable feedback from industry veterans
  • Build high-value relationships to fuel your investment, growth, and commercialisation

📅 Apply to Participate in our Rise and Pitch Partnering Event at AABC Europe 

Spots are limited, and only open to delegates with a valid conference registration. If interest exceeds capacity, applications will be reviewed and selected by participating investors.

Investors:
Ulderico Ulissi, PhD, Head of Overseas Tech & Start-up Cooperation, CATL
Christopher Cobbold, Corporate Development, Huawei Technologies
Oliver Gottfried, PhD, Business Fellow at Breakthrough Energy & Head of Operational Strategy for AI Startups at MIT Sloan School of Management
Theodora Preda, Principal, Plug and Play Tech Center

Click Here to Express Your Interest in Meeting with the Investors

10:35Coffee Break in the Exhibit Hall with Poster Viewing and Interactive Breakout Discussions

Interactive Breakout Discussions are informal, moderated discussions with brainstorming and interactive problem-solving, allowing participants from diverse backgrounds to exchange ideas and experiences and develop future collaborations around a focused topic.


TABLE 1: The Interdependence of BESS and EV Charging Infrastructure
Moderator: Chloe Herrera, Energy Storage Analyst, Lux Research


TABLE 2: Li-ion NMC Fast Charging New Cells for E-Mobility
Moderator: Brian Barnett, PhD, CTO, Nyobolt


TABLE 3: Silicon Anodes and Cells
Moderator: Benjamin Park, PhD, Founder & CTO, Enevate Corp.


TABLE 4: Innovations in Recycling Battery Materials & Second Life
Moderator: Steve Sloop, PhD, President, OnTo Technology LLC 


TABLE 5: How Can Europe Compete? Developing a Secure & Green Battery Supply Chain
Moderator: Tom Van Bellinghen, Founder, Lithink


TABLE 6: Battery Modelling
Moderator: Michael Schoenleber, Co-Founder & CTO, Batemo GmbH


TABLE 7: Solid-State Batteries
Moderator: Venkataraman Thangadurai, PhD, Chair in Energy & Faraday Institution; Adjunct Professor, School of Chemistry, University of St. Andrews


TABLE 8: European Battery Market
Moderator: Ines Miller, Team Lead Battery Cells, E Mobility, P3 Automotive GmbH


TABLE 9: Battery AI & Machine Learning
Moderator: Tal Sholklapper, PhD, CEO & Co-Founder, Voltaiq, Inc.


TABLE 10: Battery Pack System Cost and Safety – Will Future xEV Battery Packs Increase in Complexity or Simplify and How Will Cost and Safety Be Impacted?
Moderator: Kevin Konecky, Vice President, Battery Systems Engineering, Ola Electric


TABLE 11: Battery Safety for Heavy-Duty and Off-Road Applications – Mitigating the Worst-Case Outcomes

Moderator: Brian Engle, Chairman, NAATBatt; Chair, SAE Battery Standards Steering Committee; Director, Business Development, Amphenol

11:20

Battery Systems for Range-Extended BEVs: Challenges & Opportunities

Alexander Fandakov, PhD, Team Mgr of Battery & E Traction, Powertrain Research & Technology, IAV GmbH

Most BEVs today are based on platforms designed for battery-electric mobility. While battery technology matures, adding a range extender to the architecture is a viable approach for maximizing range, a concept that has recently gained rapid popularity. This presentation will discuss the challenge of integrating necessary components into limited space while ensuring compatibility with high-voltage system components. Ultimately, the altered architecture unlocks new opportunities in battery design, with the contribution focusing on system layout, chemistry selection, costs, and service life.

EUROPEAN REGULATORY LANDSCAPE

11:40

Performance, Durability, and Safety in Batteries Regulation

Andreas Pfrang, Scientific Officer, Joint Research Center, European Commission

The Batteries Regulation aims at limiting EU sales to sufficiently sustainable batteries. For this purpose, the regulation covers the entire battery life cycle, from the extraction of raw materials over industrial production, second-life, and/or recycling to disposal. The European Commission's Joint Research Centre supports the development of the related requirements or test procedures scientifically. This presentation will focus on performance, durability, and safety requirements from a technical point of view.

12:00

Advanced Robust Battery Designs with Focus on Safety

Arnold Lamm, PhD, Founder & Executive Director, E-Mobility, e-Technologies GmbH

Volumetric energy densities of LiBs have almost doubled in the last 10 years, which is due in particular to the increase of the nickel content in cell chemistry. However, a particular challenge now is the achievement of a safe state with regard to the suppression of thermal propagation in the abuse case. This presentation will introduce design solutions as well as newly developed components, such as cell barriers or potting solutions. 

12:20 MODERATED Q&A:

Session Wrap-Up

PANEL MODERATOR:

John Kwon, General Counsel of Global Legal & Strategy, Contemporary Amperex Technology Limited (CATL)

PANELISTS:

Alexander Fandakov, PhD, Team Mgr of Battery & E Traction, Powertrain Research & Technology, IAV GmbH

Andreas Pfrang, Scientific Officer, Joint Research Center, European Commission

Arnold Lamm, PhD, Founder & Executive Director, E-Mobility, e-Technologies GmbH

12:40Networking Luncheon

13:30Dessert Break in the Exhibit Hall with Poster Viewing

14:00Close of Conference






Register Today

MONDAY 23 JUNE

Pre-Conference Tutorials

TUESDAY & WEDNESDAY
24-25 JUNE

CHEMISTRY - PART 1

WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY
25-26 JUNE

CHEMISTRY - PART 2