Why did the U.S. miss the battery revolution?

The U.S. has historically been at the forefront of technological revolutions, but it has notably lagged in the battery revolution, which is crucial for the transition from combustion to electric energy. Despite early awareness of battery technology's potential, the U.S. government and media failed to prioritize it as they did with other technologies like computers, space exploration, and solar power. Key advancements in battery technology were largely made by researchers in Japan and the UK, with significant commercialization occurring in those countries. While the Obama administration supported some battery initiatives, there was no comprehensive government push akin to those for other technologies.

China has emerged as a leader in battery manufacturing and innovation, controlling supply chains and driving rapid advancements. This dominance allows for cheaper inputs and faster iterations in battery technology. The U.S. missed opportunities to leverage its strengths in related industries, such as consumer electronics and electric vehicles, to steer battery innovation. Various hypotheses suggest that supply chain control, political opposition, and a lack of cultural enthusiasm for batteries contributed to this oversight. Unlike solar power, which has received sustained attention, batteries have not captured the same level of public and governmental interest, leading to a significant gap in technological leadership. As a result, the U.S. now faces challenges in competing with China's advancements in battery technology, which could have been mitigated with earlier recognition and support for this transformative field.