BASF, one of the world’s most influential innovators in cathode active materials, continues to shape the future of next-generation lithium-ion batteries with its deep chemistry expertise, global manufacturing strength, and commitment to sustainable, high-performance solutions. As the battery ecosystem accelerates—especially in Asia—BASF’s ability to deliver tailored CAM formulations for evolving needs such as higher energy density, improved thermal stability, cost-efficiency, and long-term sustainability has positioned the company as a transformative force in the industry.
In this exclusive feature, Shweta Kumari, Sub-Editor at The Battery Magazine, had the opportunity to engage in a thought-provoking discussion with Stefan Albrecht, Head of Sales Management Asia Pacific, Battery Materials at BASF. During the conversation, Stefan highlighted how BASF is strengthening its global footprint while adapting to regional needs like India’s high-temperature conditions, cost-sensitive market segments, and rapid gigafactory developments.
He also shared insights on responsible sourcing, traceability, BASF’s circular-economy approach to battery recycling, and the company’s long-term commitment to emerging chemistries such as solid-state and sodium-ion. With a powerful blend of R&D excellence, customer-centric customization, and sustainable engineering, BASF is preparing the industry for the next era of battery innovation.
Now, let’s delve deeper into this exclusive interview to understand how BASF is shaping the future of advanced cathode materials across India and the global market.
1. How is BASF’s cathode active materials portfolio evolving to meet the demands of next-generation lithium-ion batteries in terms of energy density, performance, safety, and cost-efficiency?
BASF is a strong player in the battery industry as Cathode Active Materials (CAM) producer. BASF’s CAM portfolio is a key differentiator and growth driver for battery performance, safety, cost, and sustainability. The portfolio includes innovative, tailored solutions for various applications—from high-capacity or fast-charging materials to cost-efficient, manganese-rich alternatives. BASF continuously invests in R&D to enhance battery performance and range, working closely with customers to optimize product characteristics. With our global production capacity of 190,000 tons, BASF is well positioned in major CAM technologies like NCA, NCM, LMO as well as LCO and is also advancing solutions for solid-state and sodium-ion batteries. The portfolio is tailored to customer needs and market trends to ensure top quality and innovation.
2. Given the rapid growth of India’s battery ecosystem, how is BASF tailoring its cathode material formulations and supply-chain strategy to meet local market needs such as high-temperature performance, affordability, and suitability for diverse applications?
I attended the Battery Show India earlier this month and was truly impressed by the vibe and energy of the buoyant battery market in India. We have already developed a wide portfolio of materials, which we are offering successfully to customers in the region. This includes solutions such as H90A and T91RS high-nickel cathode active material which resonate well with the upcoming cell makers, especially those who are in the process of starting up the first Indian gigafactories. In terms of affordability and supply diversification, our international footprint and proximity to customers enable us to offer supply within Asia from China and Japan, depending on customers’ preference.
3. BASF has a strong global footprint and key collaborations with major battery manufacturers. How do you balance global expertise with regional customization, particularly for markets like India?
We leverage our global expertise, listen to our local customers in all markets and if there is a need we are able to customize and fine-tune our cathode materials according to the requirements at hand. For India, what appeals to our customers in today’s world is that we can offer local BASF support backed by BASF’s 130+ years presence and business operations in India, cost efficient operations, supply security from Global production footprint, and strong R&D capability. For example, we are able to offer a dual sourcing option with the same material being supplied from our Chinese and Japanese production facilities.
4. Could you elaborate on BASF’s role in developing battery-recycling technologies and how your circular-economy approach integrates recovered materials back into your cathode active material production?
BASF is actively offering solutions that span theentire battery recycling value chain, from collection and discharging of spent lithium-ion batteries to black mass production and hydrometallurgical metal refining for the production of cathode active materials and other battery components – leveraging a strong, continuously growing and reliable partner network in addition to BASF’s own Black Mass production facility in Schwarzheide, Germany.
We offer recycling solutions in all major regions, including Europe, North America and Asia. Recycling activities strengthen BASF’s battery materials offering and promote circularity by reintegrating recovered raw materials into cathode active material production.
5. How does BASF customize its material offerings across different application segments — from EVs to stationary energy-storage systems — to achieve the right balance between power, energy density, and lifecycle performance?
BASF’s broad CAM portfolio covers all battery applications—from high-performance, high-energy-density segments (e.g., NCM, NCA) to cost-efficient, long-life solutions like manganese-rich materials or LMO blends. Our products are tailored to the requirements of each application and customer, ensuring the optimal balance of performance, energy density, lifecycle, and cost. Thanks to our broad portfolio, we offer materials suitable for all battery cell applications, including passenger cars, heavy duty vehicles, stationary energy storage, consumer electronics, e-bikes or e-scooters, medical devices or power tools as well as aerospace, aviation and marine applications.
6. Sustainability and traceability are critical for the battery materials supply chain. How is BASF ensuring responsible sourcing of raw materials and reducing the carbon footprint of its cathode material production?
BASF operates a comprehensive responsible sourcing and ESG management system that goes beyond economic criteria to include environmental, social, and governance aspects. Suppliers are selected based on environmental and social standards, human rights, and anti-corruption policies. In addition, BASF is engaged in initiatives like the Global Battery Alliance (GBA) and partners to improve ESG standards in the supply chain. BASF is committed to traceability of raw materials through digital solutions such as the Battery Passport, which provides transparent and standardized data across the entire battery value chain. Our production processes are continuously optimized for a low carbon footprint, including the use of recycled materials and energy-efficient processes.
7. How does BASF view India’s emerging battery-manufacturing ecosystem, and what potential partnerships or collaborations are you exploring to strengthen the local value chain?
Currently, we see that the Indian cell manufacturing market is developing quickly while still nascent. Hence, at this stage we are supporting customers in their production ramp-up with imports from abroad. The highly integrated battery value chain demands strong technical capability, flexible manufacturing, large-scale production capacity and trusted partnerships to achieve sustainable growth. Raw materials and specialized technologies come from many regions, so collaborating with experienced, reliable partners worldwide is essential to secure supply, accelerate innovation and scale effectively.
8. Looking ahead, what emerging materials or chemistries — such as cobalt-free cathodes, solid-state batteries, or sodium-ion solutions — do you see shaping the next phase of battery innovation, and how is BASF preparing for this shift?
BASF’s continuous investment in R&D and innovative material engineering ensures the development of cutting-edge battery materials that contribute to the improvement of EV performance and range.
The company is actively collaborating with industry partners and academia to drive research and development of next-generation battery technologies, including solid-state batteries and sodium-ion technology. For example, BASF made the first delivery of cathode material for semi-solid-state batteries in August this year to WELION New Energy, a leading manufacturer in the solid-state battery industry. This has been achieved in one year from project inception to mass production, laying a solid foundation for future innovation in all-solid-state battery materials.
In our view, the lithium-ion battery will continue to dominate the market in the future. We do not see any major technological change away from lithium-ion batteries in the foreseeable future.
For the high-performance segment, high-Ni materials like NCM and NCA are still expected to dominate the EV market due to their superiority with regards to energy density and certain performance criteria, allowing for longer ranges and top specifications for respective car models.
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