Full Conference

Format: Talks + Q&A 

With conflicting reports coming out around the world and the industry regarding consumer trends, preferences and uptake, what is the reality? Are we on course for record-breaking sales, or a downturn, or can both statements be true? How about shifting regulatory changes and the fiercely competitive landscape for resources? This session is a chance to hear more on EV and battery trends. What is happening, what can we expect to happen and what does this mean for you and your business? 

Key Themes: 

• How will global EV markets change in response to changing policies, tariffs and incentives? 

• What is the best strategy for navigating supply chain competition for key materials? 

• What factors (charging infrastructure, cost, incentives) are driving consumer trends and how will the industry respond? 

• The shifting cost dynamics across the battery value chain 

• Strategic responses to overcapacity, shrinking margins, and rising protectionism 

• Pathways to regional cost-competitiveness through innovation and integration 

Format: Talk/ Panel Session 

Dive into how engineering decisions in motorsports, public transport, construction, and other high-stress environments prioritise power and longevity over energy density. 

Key Themes: 

• Optimising powertrain and drivetrain components for rapid power delivery. 

• Balancing battery life with high-discharge rates. 

• Real-world examples and lessons from motorsports and heavy-duty EV development 

• Where are the opportunities for innovators to work across high power applications? 

Format: Talk/ Panel Session 

As Europe races to scale battery production, manufacturers face mounting pressure to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and secure reliable supply chains. With gigafactories expanding at pace, how can the industry navigate automation, workforce readiness, and material bottlenecks to compete globally? This session examines the real-world challenges and solutions in achieving high-yield, cost-effective, and sustainable mass production. 

Key Themes: 

• Optimising manufacturing processes (automation, cost efficiency, reducing waste). 

• Overcoming supply chain bottlenecks specific to large-scale operations. 

• Leveraging lessons from global production leaders (e.g., China, Korea). 

Q&A with our Chairs

Join dynamic, hosted round tables set to tackle critical industry challenges. With up to 10 tables covering five key topics, these sessions offer focused insights into key topics including: how to increase your purchasing power as a small business, navigating complex regulations, and how to overcome barriers to advancing recycling. Designed for collaboration, you will exchange ideas, solve problems, and gain practical strategies to drive success in your business. 

*Chatham House Rules 

Round table topics (more to follow) 

• Increase Your Purchasing Power – How can SMEs Access the Resources Needed for Success?  

• What Is Needed to Improve Recycling In the Battery Industry and How Can We Get There?  

• EU Battery Passport: Red Tape or Real Opportunity? Are We Taking Enough Care Over the Safe Handling of Dangerous Materials?  

• How Do We Build a Supply Chain That’s Future-Proof and Competitive? 

Dive into one of several high-impact discussions addressing the challenges and opportunities shaping the EV industry’s future. From the implications of global regulations and tariffs to talent shortages and supply chain resilience, these round tables provide an open forum for peers to tackle pressing issues collaboratively. Discuss, debate, and share strategies to drive innovation and overcome roadblocks in an evolving landscape. 

*Chatham House Rules 

Roundtable Topics for Discussion: 

Are we on the Verge of a Second Hybrid Era or is it Too Late to Turn Back? 

Moderators: Dave Hudson, Head of EV, ePropelled & Kevin Kelly, Director, Siemens Advanta 

 The Great Talent Shortage? Are we Training the EV Workforce of the Future? 

Moderator: Lauren Allanson, Project Director, Battery Career Fair, Volta Foundation 

Navigating Patents for EV Technology: Strategy, Trends, and Freedom to Operate

Moderator: Tim Gilbert, IP Director, Swindell & Peason  

Regulation Roulette: Are Governments Helping or Hindering EV Growth?

How do we Build a Supply Chain that is Future-Proof and Competitive?

Format: Talks + Q&A 

As electric vehicle adoption accelerates, the challenge of managing end-of-life batteries transforms into a lucrative opportunity. The global EV battery recycling market is projected to surpass $3.47 billion by 2031, driven by environmental imperatives and resource recovery needs. This session delves into the economic and environmental benefits of battery recycling, technological advancements, and the collaborative efforts required to overcome existing challenges. 

Key Themes: 

• The latest updates on the extent to which recycling can reduce reliance on raw material mining  

• Technological innovations exploring advancements that enhance the efficiency and safety of battery recycling processes 

• Regulatory landscape forecast, outlining the policies and regulations that impact the recycling industry 

• Exploring the dynamics of battery recycling in the UK 

Format: Workshop 

How can a greater number of outstanding innovations find success, win investment and move into commercial production? Join this workshop and compare notes on the best methods for building a compelling business and business case. Hear from others on how to take the critical journey from prototype to pilot line to commercial production, offering actionable insights on aligning innovation with market needs, securing investment, and gaining buy-in from key stakeholders. Ideal for innovators and business leaders aiming to scale their technologies effectively. 

Key Themes: 

• Constructive tips for businesses on how to take innovation into commercial success  

• Crafting a business case for market success 

• Securing investment and stakeholder alignment 

• Navigating the leap from pilot to production and from production to volume manufacturing 

Format: Fireside Chat 

Join industry heavyweights Roger Atkins, Founder of EV Outlook, and Andy Palmer Chair of Inobat and formerly COO at Nissan, for a powerful conversation on how Europe can navigate the race toward electrification in a year of global change that has not been seen before this century. With China leading the charge on scale and India excelling in affordability, this session unpacks whether Europe should compete head-on or collaborate strategically to secure its place in the EV revolution and how to respond to the whiplash inducing tariffs and global trade changes induced from the US v. the Rest of the World. This dynamic session is your front-row seat to insights from two of the brightest minds in the EV industry—do not miss it!  

Key themes: 

• How China’s EV dominance reshapes global market dynamics 

• India’s success in delivering cost-effective electrification solutions 

• What Europe must prioritise: innovation, policy reform, or partnerships?

Session Format: Talks + Q&A

With over 3,000 new automotive regulations introduced globally in the past five years, the EV industry faces an increasingly complex compliance landscape. From evolving emissions targets to trade tariffs and critical minerals mandates, businesses must navigate shifting policies while maintaining competitiveness. This session explores key regulatory changes, their impact on EV supply chains, and strategies for future-proofing operations in an unpredictable policy environment. 

Key Themes: 

• Navigating trade policies to mitigate risks from tariffs and localisation rules 

• Understanding evolving emissions regulations and their impact on vehicle design 

• Compliance strategies for critical minerals and sustainability mandates 

• How regulatory uncertainty is influencing EV investment and manufacturing decisions 

Address by Vehicle Electrification Expo Chair, Roger Atkins

Format: Talks + Q&A 

The UK EV industry faces a skills crisis, with 48% of automotive employers reporting challenges in finding workers with the right technical expertise. This session will explore how to attract, train, and retain a workforce ready for electrification. From apprenticeship programs to upskilling engineers, discover strategies to close the gap. Join leading voices to tackle barriers to talent development and ensure the UK stays competitive. 

 Key themes: 

• Innovative examples of programmes designed to help reskill ICE trained colleagues 

• Upskilling engineers for electrification roles 

• How apprenticeships & academia can support the workforce 

Format: Shark Tank/ Investment Panel 

In this dynamic session, a select group of the UK’s most promising SMEs will present their groundbreaking solutions to a panel of investors. Each entrepreneur has a few minutes time to pitch their innovation, highlighting its unique value proposition, market potential, and scalability.  

The panel will provide immediate feedback, pose challenging questions, and consider potential investment opportunities. This interactive format not only offers startups a platform but also provides the audience with insights into the evaluation criteria and decision-making processes of top investors. 

Format: Talks + Q&A 

Explore emerging alternatives to lithium-ion batteries, including sodium-ion and lithium-metal chemistries. This session evaluates their progress through technology readiness levels (TRLs), potential to overcome challenges such as resource scarcity and cost, and prospects for large-scale adoption, offering insights into their role in reshaping the future of energy storage. 

Key Themes: 

• What is the latest in silicon anode innovation? 

• How close are sodium ion batteries to commercial production? 

• An overview of the TRL statuses of alternative cell chemistries 

As EV adoption grows, millions of components will reach the end of their automotive lifespan in the coming decades. This session examines scalable, commercially viable pathways for recycling or repurposing EV batteries into second-life applications. With second-life use forecasted to grow to 200 GWh by 2030, it is time to rethink end-of-life solutions that optimise value recovery and sustainability. 

 Key themes: 

• Developing profitable second-life business models for EV batteries 

• Overcoming technical challenges in repurposing for energy storage 

• Ensuring regulatory compliance and safety standards for second-life use 

Format: Talks + Q&A 

By 2030, Europe requires over 7 million public chargers to support EV market growth. Moreover, ultra-fast charging is essential for mass EV adoption, but its integration must balance grid demands, battery health, and cost. This session explores how next-gen power electronics, thermal management and battery architectures are unlocking sub-10-minute charge times without compromising safety or longevity. Can we achieve widespread ultra-fast charging while maintaining economic and environmental sustainability? 

Key Themes: 

• Advances in grid-stabilising charging systems 

• Economic implications of fast-charging rollouts 

• Forecasted impacts of faster charging and how to mitigate them 

Format: Talks + Q&A 

Format: Talk/ Panel Session 

Achieving consistent quality in battery production is essential to maintaining performance, safety, and competitiveness. This session focuses exclusively on quality control innovations, from advanced testing protocols to real-time monitoring systems, ensuring every cell meets exacting standards. With Europe ramping up production, robust quality assurance processes will underpin scalability and reliability. 

Key themes: 

• Can automated quality control deliver defect-free mass production and enable cheaper faster battery manufacturing? 

• Leveraging real-time monitoring for precision manufacturing 

• Integrating AI to predict and prevent production anomalies 

• Importance of characterisation in scale up and failure analysis 

Format: Talks + Q&A 

According to some reports, electric heavy-duty vehicles exhibit energy efficiencies approximately 3.5 times greater than their diesel counterparts at highway speeds, and 5 to 7 times greater during lower-speed operation – their potential is enormous. Delve into the technical advancements and market developments driving the electrification of heavy-duty, off-highway, and industrial vehicles, focusing on overcoming challenges related to durability, charging performance, and operational efficiency. 

Key Themes: 

• What innovations are enhancing battery durability and energy density for heavy-duty applications?  

• How is the industry addressing charging infrastructure limitations in off-highway environments?  

• What strategies ensure electric vehicles meet performance standards under heavy operational loads? 

The British and European industries may struggle to compete on cost with Asian counterparts, or on incentives with the US, but it can maximise its leading innovation, sustainability and regulatory stringency to promote a credibly greener automotive industry built  on fair labour, green energy and leading recycling practices. But we are not there yet – this session is a chance to harmonise efforts to build a sustainable, closed-loop supply chain that aligns with both economic and environmental goals. 

Key Themes: 

• What do we do differently and what do we do well? 
• Harmonising economic viability with environmental impact 

• Transforming the grid for truly green power 

• Long-term sustainability and localisation of raw materials and recycling infrastructure. 

Format: Talks + Q&A 

With thermal runaway responsible for over 80% of battery-related EV recalls, safety remains a critical challenge in pack design. At the same time, manufacturers must optimise flexibility and cost-efficiency to meet demand across diverse vehicle platforms. This session explores structural innovations, next-gen materials and integration strategies that enhance pack safety, manufacturability and performance—while keeping costs competitive. 

 Key Themes: 

• Optimising pack integration to streamline manufacturing and improve vehicle performance  

• Safe design at low, cost – balancing lightweighting and cost reduction with safety 

• Cool under pressure: innovations in thermal management for battery packs 

• Modular pack designs and the argument for standardisation for cross-platform vehicle compatibility 

Format: Talk/ Panel Session 

As EV adoption accelerates, intelligent battery management is the key to unlocking longer lifespans, greater efficiency, and enhanced safety. This session explores cutting-edge developments in predictive analytics, AI-driven battery health monitoring, and advanced BMS strategies. With battery lifetimes expected to double by 2030, smarter battery management will be essential for cost reduction and sustainability. 

Key Themes: 

• AI-driven predictive maintenance to prevent early degradation 

• The role of digital twins in real-time battery diagnostics 

• Maximising cycle life through state-of-health (SoH) tracking 

• How data-driven BMS can enhance energy efficiency and safety 

Format: Talk/ Panel Session: 

As battery energy densities rise and architectures evolve, ensuring safety remains a top priority. While advanced testing methods, from accelerated aging to AI-driven fault detection, have improved risk mitigation, can failures ever be fully prevented? With thermal runaway still responsible for over 80% of battery-related safety incidents, engineers must refine testing protocols to catch potential failures before they occur. This session will examine the latest advancements in predictive safety testing and their real-world effectiveness. 

Key Themes: 

• New methodologies for detecting battery defects 

• The latest developments in mechanical and electrical abuse testing  

• Thermal stability and propagation testing  

• Overcharge and over-discharge testing  

Format: Talks + Q&A 

Delve into the latest breakthroughs that are extending the capabilities of lithium-ion technology, addressing its ongoing dominance in battery innovation. This session will focus on advanced cathode and anode materials, electrolyte innovations, and strategies to enhance energy density, cycle life and safety. Discover how these advancements are keeping Li-ion competitive in an evolving landscape while overcoming challenges related to cost, sustainability, and scalability. 

Key themes: 

• Energy density vs. longevity 

• Scalability and manufacturability 

• Addressing market gaps with new Li-ion solutions 

• Which anode and cathode innovations can transform battery efficiency? 

• Novel cell designs 

Format: Panel Discussion 

The UK motorsport sector is a global leader in high-performance engineering, with innovations feeding directly into mainstream EV development. This session explores how advanced aerodynamics, cutting edge innovation and lightweight materials are accelerating mass production EV performance. With Formula E and hypercar electrification on the rise, what lessons can OEMs take from the racetrack to the road? 

Key Themes: 

• How will formula-e advanced engineering accelerate mass produced vehicle electrification? 

• Will we see energy recovery systems in use in passenger vehicles and if so, in what form? 

Talk: Electrifying Sports Cars – Taking the Best of the Best in On-Road Vehicles Electric 

Format: Talks + Q&A 

Optimising battery performance is crucial for advancing EV technology. Explore innovative testing methodologies, including the integration of digital tools like simulations and data-driven models to enhance test protocols. Discussions will cover the impact of extreme temperatures on battery efficiency and how varying states of charge and depth of discharge influence battery longevity and cycle life. 

Key themes: 

• Building the perfect test protocols – how and when to use digital tools 

• Understanding how batteries perform under extreme temperature conditions 

• How the state of charge and depth of discharge affect battery performance over time  

Format: Panel Discussion 

As tariff wars and shifting trade policies reshape global supply chains, the EV industry faces new uncertainties. From the Inflation Reduction Act in the US to EU-China tariff disputes and critical minerals security, this session explores how trade policies are reshaping investment, production, and market access. Can Europe maintain a competitive EV sector amid protectionist policies, and what are the implications for OEMs and suppliers navigating this turbulent landscape? 

Key Themes: 

• How US, EU, and China trade policies are redefining EV market dynamics 

• Are tariffs accelerating or hindering Europe’s path to EV supply chain independence? 

• Will localisation policies force automakers to rethink global production strategies? 

• How can European companies secure critical mineral supply chains amid geopolitical shifts? 

Format: Talks/ Panel Session 

With next-generation powertrains, engineers must push the limits of thermal management, materials science, and energy conversion to enhance performance and longevity. According to the DOE, improved inverter efficiency alone could reduce EV energy losses by up to 50%. This session will explore the cutting-edge innovations driving ultra-efficient, ultra-durable powertrains and the design trade-offs shaping the next generation of electric vehicles. 

Key Themes: 

• Material advancements in novel alloys, coatings, and composites for reducing wear and energy losses 

• How next-gen cooling solutions extend system lifespan and boost efficiency. 

• How to improve powertrain efficiency 

• Integration & system-level optimisation for holistic powertrain efficiency beyond individual components. 

Format: Panel Discussion 

Navigating the journey from concept to market-ready product often involves traversing the challenging ‘Valley of Death’—the critical stages between Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) 4 and 7, where many innovations falter due to funding gaps, scalability issues, and market uncertainties. This panel discussion aims to dissect these challenges and explore strategies to successfully scale technologies through these perilous phases. 

Key Themes:  

• Identifying common pitfalls in the TRL 4-7 stages and strategies to overcome them 

• Securing funding and resources to bridge the development gap 

• Leveraging partnerships and collaborations to enhance scalability and market entry 

Key themes: 

• Can modular e-axle designs enable cost-effective mass production? 

• What role do lightweight materials play in reducing costs and improving scalability? 

• What are the challenges of integrating e-axles with battery and control systems? 

Format: Panel Discussion 

Solid-state batteries promise higher energy density, but scalability, cost and manufacturability remain major roadblocks. This session explores real-world progress and whether solid-state will reach the mass market in the next decade. 

Key Takeaways: 

• Where do leading solid-state technologies stand today? 

• Barriers to commercialisation and how to overcome them 

• How OEMs are integrating solid-state into future models 

With Europe needing to multiply its battery production volume many times over by 2030 to meet electrification goals, gigafactories are often cited as the silver bullet for securing supply chain independence. But with soaring energy costs, access to critical minerals, policy instability, and fierce global competition, can Europe realistically compete with China and the US on this kind of volume production? This keynote will address the critical question: What is the smartest route to building a resilient, cost-competitive, and sustainable battery industry in Europe? 

Key Topics: 

• Where are we at with developing UK and European gigafactory projects? What does success look like? 

• Is building a complete supply chain locally the end-goal for each European country? 

• How can we better integrate policies, incentives, and funding to support growth? 

• What is needed to create synergies among startups, OEMs, research institutions and governments? 

Format: Panel Discussion 

The automotive industry and consumers are pushing for charging infrastructure to scale rapidly—but at what cost? Fragmentation in standards, energy supply constraints, and uncertain business models are putting pressure on automakers. Will OEMs be forced to invest in power generation? Can interoperability challenges be solved? What do consumers want? And is battery swapping a real contender? This panel dissects the biggest bottlenecks in charging infrastructure and their impact on vehicle design, battery innovation, and market adoption. 

Key Discussion Points: 

• Standardisation vs. Fragmentation – Can the industry unify behind NACS, CCS, or ISO 15118? 

• Automakers as energy providers? – Should OEMs secure their own power supply for factories and fleets? 

• Infrastructure Investment vs. Return – can charging ever be profitable without subsidies? 

• Battery swapping & future disruptions – could this challenge fast-charging dominance? 

• Optimise designs with advanced AI-powered analytics 

• Reduce time-to-market while enhancing scalability 

• Explore practical applications in battery development