BASF Corporation, a global leader in the chemical industry, is dedicated to creating innovative solutions that address the world’s most pressing challenges. Headquartered in Ludwigshafen, Germany, BASF operates the largest interconnected chemical production site globally, with a network of over 200 production facilities. The company’s mission is to integrate economic success with environmental stewardship and social responsibility, driving progress through advanced science and technology.
BASF serves a wide range of industries, including automotive, agriculture, construction, and electronics, offering products such as chemicals, plastics, crop protection solutions, and performance materials. The company is also a key player in the battery value chain, providing high-performance materials and technologies that support the transition to electric mobility and renewable energy storage. With a strong focus on sustainability, BASF is actively working toward a circular economy, reducing carbon emissions, and developing innovative solutions for a more sustainable future.
Battery Technology
BASF is a significant contributor to the battery industry, specializing in the development and production of high-performance cathode active materials (CAM) for lithium-ion batteries. These materials, including nickel-cobalt-manganese oxide (NCM) and nickel-cobalt-aluminum oxide (NCA), are essential for enhancing the energy density, safety, and longevity of batteries used in electric vehicles (EVs) and stationary energy storage systems. BASF’s NCM cathode materials are designed to support fast charging and high energy output, making them ideal for next-generation EVs.
In addition to lithium-ion technology, BASF is exploring next-generation battery solutions, such as solid-state batteries and lithium-metal anodes. The company’s Licerion® technology, developed in collaboration with Sion Power, aims to improve energy density and safety in advanced battery systems. BASF is also involved in sodium-sulfur battery technology, partnering with NGK to provide long-duration energy storage solutions for renewable energy integration.
Sustainability is a core focus for BASF in the battery sector. The company operates a prototype battery recycling plant in Schwarzheide, Germany, where it recovers valuable materials like lithium, nickel, and cobalt using a hydrometallurgical process. This initiative supports the circular economy by reintroducing recycled materials into the production cycle, reducing waste and environmental impact.
Recent Projects
In 2024, BASF announced several significant developments, including the expansion of its battery materials production capacity in Schwarzheide, Germany, and Harjavalta, Finland. These facilities are designed to produce cathode active materials with a low carbon footprint, supporting the growing demand for sustainable battery solutions.
BASF also partnered with the Cellforce Group, a joint venture between Porsche and Customcells, to develop high-performance battery cells for motorsport and high-performance vehicles. The collaboration aims to produce batteries with enhanced energy density and fast-charging capabilities, with an initial production capacity of 100 MWh per year.
Investors
BASF’s shareholder structure includes a mix of private and institutional investors. Approximately 46% of the company’s shares are held by private investors, primarily in Germany. Institutional investors from the United States and Canada hold about 19%, while those in the UK, Ireland, and other European countries account for 17%. The remaining shares are distributed among investors in Asia Pacific and other regions.
Through its corporate venture arm, BASF Venture Capital, the company invests in innovative startups and technologies that align with its strategic goals, such as decarbonization, circular economy solutions, and advanced materials. With a fund size of €250 million, BASF Venture Capital supports early-stage companies in sectors like AgTech, digitization, and new business models.
Business Details
Location: Ludwigshafen, Germany
Website: https://basf.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/basf/
