The latest episode of the German-language Geladen podcast features Merlin Frank, a battery researcher working toward his doctorate at PEM at RWTH Aachen University. His discussion centres on the beneficiaries of rapid electric vehicle adoption, with particular attention to how automakers and their battery suppliers interact, and the significance of Chinese cell manufacturer CATL in this ecosystem.
As the range of electric vehicles expands, a pattern has emerged: multiple car manufacturers source batteries from identical suppliers. This convergence raises critical questions for Europe's automotive sector. Which dependencies emerge from this arrangement? How much of the value chain remains under the control of the carmakers themselves?
Frank draws on research conducted by PEM that combines European vehicle registration figures with technical specifications of vehicles, battery systems, and their cell suppliers. The podcast also delves into which battery advances matter most to everyday drivers—whether that means extended driving range, reduced prices, or other performance characteristics.
Expanding the conversation online
Beyond the podcast appearance, Frank has launched a YouTube channel called "Im Spannungsfeld," supported by Battery-News. The channel breaks down the science of batteries, electric mobility, and circular economy principles in accessible terms while honestly assessing both opportunities and constraints. All content is produced in German.
Source: Battery-News
