Prof. Simon Lux from Fraunhofer FFB still sees Europe as technologically world-class – but calls for cooperation and a closed value chain. Invitation to the TIE – TransformIT Europe Fair included.

By Jan Nintemann and Jochen Siegle; Photo: Zaptec, Unsplash

China’s lead in the development and production of modern battery cells is significant, but by no means insurmountable. This was emphasized today by Prof. Simon Lux, battery expert at the University of Münster and head of the Fraunhofer Research Production Battery Cell FFB, in an interview with auto motor und sport.

Europe can still rely on excellent specialists, decades of accumulated know-how, and world-class mechanical engineering in battery technology. Examples range from a Westphalian manufacturer exporting calendering machines worldwide to a South German sensor producer whose components are now found in almost every Chinese battery factory.

“In terms of technology, we Europeans are still world leaders in many areas – but we urgently need a strong European network along the entire value chain”, says Lux.

China’s Strategic Advantage – and Europe’s Opportunity

China’s current advantage stems from a clear, holistic industrial policy that began over 15 years ago – from raw material mines to finished electric vehicles. Especially for LFP cells (lithium iron phosphate), Chinese companies now control 90% of the global value chain (Fraunhofer FFB).

While Europe and South Korea focused on NMC cathodes (nickel-manganese-cobalt), China consistently developed LFP technology further – initially for e-scooters and commercial vehicles, and now also for medium-sized electric vehicles. This chemistry has now become “so affordable and good that it is the best choice for many applications”, explains Lux.

For NMC battery cells (such as those used by truck manufacturer MAN), the backlog is “not really significant”, but it is significant for LFP, and for solid-state batteries, Lux estimates China’s lead at three to five years. Examples like Xiaomi’s small-scale series production of solid-state cells show that Europe must – and can – catch up.

What Europe Needs Now

• A strong European network from raw material to recycling
• Targeted funding for startups in the critical scaling-up phase
• Cross-border collaborations to set technological standards
• Capital & entrepreneurial spirit for building complete battery factories in Europe

Expert Lux is optimistic: “We can do this – if we work together now.”

European Cooperation as Key

Especially in the context of TransformIT Europe, it becomes clear: Digitalization, automation, and networked manufacturing can significantly strengthen Europe’s battery economy. Cooperation between research, industry, and startups – for example, within the framework of European funding programs like IPCEI Batteries – is key to closing value chains in Europe and reducing dependencies.

Invitation to the TIE – TransformIT Europe Fair

The TIE – TransformIT Europe 2026 Fair offers the platform for precisely this collaboration. There, decision-makers from industry, research, and politics meet to discuss digital manufacturing, green technologies, and European supply chains.

Experience presentations from leading battery and energy technology experts, network with European innovation partners, and actively shape the future of energy storage.

Register now: www.transformit.eu