Lawmakers Call on Energy Department to Enhance US Battery Development Amid China’s Dominance

China’s monopoly position in lithium-ion battery productions causes “substantial defense and economic security vulnerabilities” for the United States.

Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, presides over a hearing on battery technology, at the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington, on Sept. 22, 2022. Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

Two U.S. senators have sent a letter to Department of Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, asking her to address the urgent need for the United States to secure leadership in next-generation battery technologies and productions amid China’s dominance in the field.

In a letter a dated Nov. 1, Energy Committee Chairman Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.V.) and Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Senator Mark Warner (D-Va.) said the United States is “10 to 20 years behind Asia in commercialization of battery technology,” particularly China.