The curtain fell on the first day of the Ninth International Conference on Advanced Lithium Batteries for Automobile Applications (ABAA-9) on Oct 17 in Huzhou, Zhejiang province.

A total of 13 speeches were delivered that day by professors, experts, industry representatives and officials of government energy institutions and departments.

In his speech "The Progress and Future Direction of Electric Vehicles and Battery Technologies in China", Bian Shuguang, deputy director of the High-tech R&D Center of the Ministry of Science and Technology, briefed the audience on the technological systems of electric vehicles (EVs) in China, comparing China's lithium battery technology status with that of foreign countries and revealing the country's development goals in the EV battery industry.

Bian Shuguang of the Ministry of Science and Technology delivers a speech at the ABAA-9 conference. [Photo/Liuxia]

Other speeches, including "Breathing life in Li-air batteries" by professor Peter Bruce from the University of Oxford, and "Next Generation of Battery Materials for BEVs" by Jorg Huslage from Volkswagen, showcased the latest research and development in advanced lithium batteries for automotive applications.

Jorg Huslage of Volkswagen reveals the company's research achievements on next generation battery materials at the ABAA-9 conference. [Photo/Liuxia]

In the afternoon, a special interview with Khalil Amine, chairman of the International Automotive Lithium Battery Association and founder of ABAA conferences, was organized by media outlets including Huzhou TV and China Daily. Amine answered a range of questions covering why he chose Huzhou for ABAA-9, prospects of Huzhou's lithium battery industry and lithium battery pollution issues.

Khalil Amine, chairman of the International Automotive Lithium Battery Association and founder of ABAA conferences, is interviewed at the ABAA-9 conference held in Huzhou, Zhejiang. [Photo/Liuxia]

"Huzhou is a promising city with great companies like Tianneng Group, Microvast Group and Chilwee Group, and I like to hold the ABAA conferences alternatively in Huzhou and American cities," said Amine. He added that lithium batteries, which have more than 20 years' history, are less likely than lead acid batteries to cause environmental pollution.

In addition, a VIP saloon and industrial connection meeting was held in the evening, where enterprise representatives delivered speeches and signed business contracts with a total value exceeding 8 billion RMB ($1.3 billion).

Zhang Hailiang, president of Letv Auto Company, delivers a speech at the VIP salon at the Colon Taihu Chateau in Huzhou, Zhejiang. [Photo/Liuxia]

Enterprise representatives sign cooperation contracts at the VIP salon in the Colon Taihu Chateau of Huzhou, Zhejiang. [Photo/Liuxia]