Request for Proposals

Requests for Proposals

2027 Requests for Proposals

Shape CBI’s 2027 Research Programme

CBI is inviting proposals for research that explains and improves how batteries perform in service. Download the full Request for Proposals for topics, requirements and how to submit.

Download RFP Summary

About the Programme

Research that answers the industry's questions

CBI funds pre-competitive research on behalf of its members: work that answers shared questions no single company would tackle alone. Each Request for Proposals (RFP) is targeted at the key performance indicators in the CBI Global Technical Roadmap. For 2027, the programme spans lead, lithium-ion, sodium-ion and zinc batteries, grouped into four application themes. Projects are funded from each technology track's allotted budget, and are selected by member review, available funds and alignment with the Roadmap. Organisations can take part by carrying out the research, by funding the work, or by joining CBI.

The challenge for each chemistry

Available battery technology types focus on diverse innovation areas based on current technical challenges and differing advantages per technology. Challenges for lead, lithium-ion, sodium-ion, and zinc are discussed in detail in the CBI Global Battery Roadmap, but are summarized as follows:

Discover the Global Roadmap

Challenge focus

Sodium-ion

Sodium-ion batteries are unproven in many applications. More benchmarking in UPS and low-voltage automotive applications would help. So would thermal testing for ESS and UPS, and a deeper understanding of charging using non-invasive techniques. This work would answer questions about low-temperature performance and safety in important markets.

Lithium-ion

Lithium-ion batteries and systems would benefit from BMS developments that cut unnecessary faults or trips. They also need a better understanding of how to integrate lithium-ion systems into grid-forming applications for utilities and data centres.

Lead

Lead batteries need longer total operational life. Developments in battery management systems (BMS) and in-depth diagnostics research would help. So would benchmarking performance in critical support for EVs and in AI data centre duty cycles.

Zinc-based

Zinc-based batteries cover a broad range of technologies, from NiZn to zinc-air. Understanding their performance in UPS is a primary goal. A better understanding of failure mechanisms, and of how performance differs between zinc technologies, will guide further research and show which applications suit them.

Research Areas of Interest

Reliable power for AI data centres

Benchmarking, test methods, battery management and zinc microcycling.

 

  • Benchmarking UPS batteries for AI training and inference data centres, across lead, lithium, sodium and zinc
  • Best practice and a preliminary test standard for batteries in AI data centre backup and buffering
  • The level of battery monitoring and management lead batteries need to meet AI data centre requirements
  • Lithium BMS optimisation to tackle early LFP module failures in data centre UPS and ESS
  • Failure analysis of zinc batteries after AI duty-cycle microcycling test

Research Areas of Interest

Critical automotive support power

12 V benchmarking, BMS comparisons, sodium-ion charge acceptance analysis using advanced techniques, and advanced AGM separators for lead batteries.

 

  • Benchmarking 12 V auxiliary batteries (lead, lithium and sodium) to IEC protocols, including performance down to −40°C
  • Comparing lead, lithium and sodium BMS functionality against ASIL and ISO 26262
  • Impedance as a probe for charge acceptance in sodium-ion batteries for auxiliary and start-stop use
  • How AGM separator characteristics influence lead battery performance
  • Whether separator manufacturing process changes affect battery performance

Research Areas of Interest

Cost and reliability in motive power applications

Lift-truck costs, lithium-ion BMS faults, and e-bike and e-rickshaw comparisons.

 

  • Total cost of ownership of sodium, lithium and lead batteries in class 1 and 2 lift trucks
  • The impact of lithium-ion BMS issues on field failure rates in motive power
  • Performance and economics of lithium, sodium and lead batteries for e-bikes and e-rickshaws

Research Areas of Interest

Battery condition and product improvement

Battery condition and product improvement

 

  • AI tools for analysing large sets of battery test and analytical data
  • Impedance and impedance spectroscopy for lead battery state of health and in-line product quality
  • High-rate charge and discharge capability in zinc-based batteries
  • Float charging conditions and failure causes in sodium-ion batteries
  • Thermal runaway behaviour of sodium-ion variants

RFP Summary

Want to learn more?

Download the full RFP for the scope and requirements of each topic, or see the key dates and how to submit below.

Download RFP Summary

Submit Your Proposal

Send your proposal to Anita Wright by tapping the button below. An expert panel reviews every proposal, then CBI members score and rank them. Interested in funding a project or joining CBI instead? We’d like to hear from you too. Submission deadline is 19th January 2027.

Email your proposal now

Get the latest Battery Innovation updates

You will be able to to opt-out of these emails at any time. I understand that the information I provide is subject to CBI’s privacy policy‌ and terms.
  • United Kingdom
  • 120 New Cavendish Street, London
  • Tel: +44 207 833 8090
  • Europe
  • Avenue de Tervuren 168 Box 6, 1150 Brussels,
  • Belgium
  • North America
  • 1000 Park Forty Plaza, Suite 130,
  • Durham NC, USA 27713
  • Tel: +1 919 361 4647

2026 Consortium for Battery Innovation. All Right Reserved.