GBH is a boutique consulting firm for all your specific questions regarding lithium batteries.
These include the evaluation of existing technology and innovations as well as technical valuation of your company. We view the technological skills of your teams as key to longterm success and can expand this individually through training workshops.
We integrate our services efficiently directly into your project; we also complete project assignments independently or work in collaboration with our partners.
The outstanding global network we have built over years can open doors for you to battery manufacturers, OEM, system integrators, universities, associations and the energy industry.
Technology assessment
The following questions may arise, given the strong growth in the battery market for electromobility, stationary applications and industry use, where growth rates sometimes exceed 20% CAGR:
- Do our products suit the energy storage market?
- Do our technology and our products have unique selling points that give them a competitive advantage?
- What potential is waiting in battery cells and their production processes for reducing costs and increasing efficiency?
- What are the prospects of returns for expensive and potentially risky investments in systems or R&D?
- Is more scientific expertise needed in battery technology? Can this goal be reached by bolstering in-house research and development or through company acquisitions?
- What influence do technological advancements in science and industry have on our competitive position?
GBH – Gesellschaft für Batterie Know-how mbH – is there to help you answer these questions. Our expertise comes from many years of working in the industry and a wide scientific network. Opportunities and risks are assessed in realistic scenarios and form the basis for sustainable decisions.
Company valuation
Things are changing in the dynamic battery market of large-format lithium ion cells. This trend is being driven by strong growth in their use primarily in electromobility, but increasingly also in stationary storage and industrial batteries. Traditional battery manufacturers are retreating from the market for a variety of reasons while new players are coming out on top thanks to superior technology and the commercial advantage it provides.
A number of questions arise for manufacturers of batteries, battery cells, battery materials and other components as suppliers for battery applications in this environment of strong market consolidation. For example:
- Do we have the right technology and size to grow faster than the competition?
- Do investments need to be made in parts of companies or other companies?
- Are we too small but have interesting technology that could be placed in the market as part of a divestiture?
- Which strategic alliances do we need to consider in order to fully utilize our company’s potential?
You may have already chosen a partner with an international reputation, skills and references to head the due diligence project for your investment or divestiture. Now you are looking for a renowned partner for the technical due diligence.
We are that missing link – we analyze strengths, identify weaknesses and help to reduce risks.
Innovation management
Lithium batteries have been around since the 1970s. The lithium ion battery was introduced to the market by Sony in 1991 and has remained the battery technology with the highest energy density and longest duration since then, in addition to many other advantages. Do we still need innovation here?
Yes, innovation is still needed!
For example, most electric vehicle drivers are looking for increased range without reducing safety. Conversely, prices need to be reduced further while also increasing the life expectancy of the batteries in order to make battery applications accessible to a wider market.
These are matters of innovation in the materials!
Lithium technology is like a sandbox with plenty of room left for playing in. This is true in particular for new materials and the corresponding manufacturing processes, but also for improvements in the batteries themselves, in energy management, thermal management and much more.
“It is not certain that better materials make for better batteries, but better materials are definitely needed to make better batteries.” (M. Winter, paraphrasing G.C. Lichtenberg)
We can help you
- better find your way around the sandbox of lithium technology by showing
- which cathode materials and which anode materials determine the future of a battery cell,
- which electrolytes are compatible with this,
- with which inactive materials (separators, additives, power collectors, etc.) the new battery cells can be optimized
For increased energy density, more security, lower costs and longer duration,
- to catalyze your creative processes,
- to provide an overview of current scientific and patent literature,
- to test new processes and materials with the partners in our network,
- to evaluate the risks and opportunities of your innovations
And to assist you in the introduction of your new products.
Education and training
GBH offers training workshops tailored to companies and teams that convey current knowledge about battery technology, taking varying levels of background knowledge into account. Individual needs and expectations, both in terms of subject matter and organization, are clarified together in a preparatory conversation.
Our workshops can cover the following topics, for example:
- Introduction to lithium technology, from the value chain, materials, components and cells, to uses for the batteries,
- Battery materials: Cathode and anode materials; electrolytes with solvents, salts and additives; separators,
- Advantages and disadvantages of various cell technologies,
- Battery uses in electromobility,
- Battery uses for stationary storage,
- Cost structure for battery cells,
- How is the market for electromobility, batteries and battery materials developing?
The training workshops can be held on site if desired.