BASF specializes in high-performance cathode active materials (CAM) for lithium-ion batteries, including nickel-cobalt-manganese oxide (NCM) and nickel-cobalt-aluminum oxide (NCA), enhancing energy density, safety, and battery longevity. They explore next-generation battery solutions like solid-state batteries and lithium-metal anodes via their Licerion® technology with Sion Power.
BASF produces high-performance cathode active materials for lithium-ion batteries such as NCM and NCA cathode materials that support fast charging and high energy output for electric vehicles and energy storage systems. Their Licerion® technology aims to improve energy density and safety in advanced battery systems. They also support battery recycling technologies.
BASF inaugurated its CAM plant in Schwarzheide in 2023, followed in 2025 by a global framework agreement with CATL and a renewed long-term supply contract with another customer. That same year, BASF launched commercial operations at its Schwarzheide black mass plant, establishing its European battery recycling business. Building on this, BASF and TSR Group (part of REMONDIS) signed a 2026 agreement covering EV battery recycling in Europe, with TSR handling dismantling and discharging via its investment company BLC, and BASF processing spent batteries into black mass.
BASF’s shareholding is distributed among private investors in Germany (46.0%), institutional investors in the US and Canada (19.0%), institutional investors in the UK, Ireland and other parts of Europe (17.0%), and various investors across the Asia-Pacific region. BASF Venture Capital, the company’s corporate venture arm with a €250M fund, invests in startups focused on decarbonization, circular-economy solutions and advanced materials across sectors such as AgTech and digitization.
