Disruption in the market
One of the most striking developments this year was the sharp price drop of LFP battery cells. “This trend has been a real disruptor,” says Engels. “It’s making electrification more accessible but also challenges European producers to stay competitive.”
Another milestone was the official recognition of the Corridor Charging for Zero Emission Heavy Duty (ZEHD) programme by the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management (I&W) as a valuable initiative for the future of heavy-duty transport. Meanwhile, the EU-wide phase-out of combustion engines by 2035 sent a clear message: the transition to electric mobility is irreversible.
Dominant themes of the year
Several topics defined the agenda in 2025. The Battery Passport remained at the forefront, driven by new European requirements for traceability and sustainability across the value chain. In parallel, export restrictions on rare earth minerals from China raised concerns about supply security, while grid congestion and a lack of heavy-duty charging infrastructure demanded urgent attention from both industry and policymakers.
“Our focus was on finding practical solutions,” explains Engels. “Not just for infrastructure, but also for how we, as a sector, can handle scarce materials and limited grid capacity more intelligently.”
Challenges in a crowded landscape
Despite the progress, 2025 was not without challenges. “Economically, it wasn’t an easy year,” Engels notes. “The situation at companies like HyET Lithium shows how fragile the sector still is.” He also points to the “event overload” that the industry is experiencing: “There are so many trade fairs and conferences that it’s hard to keep focus.”
At the same time, the stagnation of Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) sales and the rise of hybrids underline the need for realistic strategies and continued innovation.
Building a stronger ecosystem
Still, Engels looks back with pride. “We received recognition from I&W and the Ministry of Economic Affairs for our ecosystem efforts, and our international visibility continues to grow.” Trade missions to Germany, France, and Sweden helped strengthen cross-border cooperation, while the formal establishment of BCC-NL as a foundation with its own director and team marked an important milestone. The awarding of NGF3 projects further confirmed the value of strong consortia and close collaboration.
A highlight of the year was Battery Day 2025, which once again brought together hundreds of professionals to exchange knowledge, foster collaboration, and shape the future of the Dutch battery sector.
Looking ahead to 2026
For 2026, Engels expects another year of growth and progress. “We’ll take concrete steps towards the creation of the Open Battery Innovation Centre (OBIC), and within the heavy-duty segment, zero-emission long-haul transport will finally gain traction.”
The rollout of corridor charging infrastructure for heavy-duty transport will also move forward, and the first visible results of NGF3 projects will emerge. Several high-profile international missions and events are already on the agenda, strengthening the Netherlands’ position as an innovative battery nation.
A message to the sector
Engels closes with a clear message to all companies and knowledge institutions active in the battery field: “Get involved. Join our trade missions and events, present yourself, and make use of the network we’ve built together. Don’t reinvent the wheel; collaborate. The ecosystem will only thrive if we grow it collectively.”
RAI Automotive Industry NL’s Battery Programme will continue in 2026 with the same drive and ambition, fostering collaboration, knowledge sharing, and international visibility to build a robust, sustainable battery ecosystem that strengthens both the Dutch mobility transition and manufacturing industry.
