Electrification’s future may be defined less by revolutionary technologies and more by continuous evolution. During the panel discussion “The Realities of Battery Technology in Modern Electrification” at the 2026 Future of Electrification (FOE) virtual conference, Davide Dal Pozzo, CEO of Elsa Solutions and Project Manager at Aliant Battery, shared his perspective on where battery technology is headed, the importance of system integration, and why business model innovation could ultimately have as much impact as advances in battery chemistry.
The following Q&A highlights Dal Pozzo’s views on emerging battery chemistries, interoperability, system integration, and the trends shaping the next phase of electrification.
Q: Are there any new chemistries that you foresee traction past any lithium-based chemistry solutions?
Davide Dal Pozzo: Elsa Solutions already presented semi-solid-state technology and a Gen 1 prototype of solid-state technology last year. Still, despite their promise, these and other chemistries remain either too expensive or too early in development to observe widespread adoption. Most OEMs will continue working with common lithium chemistries instead, making minor adaptations as those chemistries evolve.
These innovations may not be immediate, but they cannot be ignored nor underestimated. OEMs must monitor these innovations because we expect batteries to become increasingly application-focused, which will result from the growing number of chemistries that exhibit specific characteristics. Moreover, these small, simultaneous evolutions across electrification technologies can still produce a multiplicative impact. For example, safety innovations will eventually result in intrinsically safe batteries. When this happens, battery technology as a whole will make a massive leap forward.
Q: Given current battery limitations, how should companies evaluate whether electrification is truly viable for their specific application?
Davide Dal Pozzo: First, they should understand the difference between automotive electrification and industrial machinery electrification! Evaluating whether electrification is viable for specific applications depends on comparing the total cost of ownership (TCO) between electric and internal combustion vehicles or equipment. However, fleet managers should remember that batteries can be repaired and are serviceable. Rather than a limitation, this presents an opportunity to extend the longevity of proven technology in off-highway applications, benefiting both OEMs and fleets. Operations may find electrification more viable after factoring this in. In recent years, we have learned how volatile fuel prices are compared to the cost of energy from the electric grid. While this is not something that easily fits into a business plan, it is a factor that should be taken into account.
Q: What are the most common performance or reliability challenges that you are seeing in real-world deployments?
Davide Dal Pozzo: Many OEMs continue to underestimate the impact that system integrations make on manufacturing, value, and performance. System integrations simplify logistics and assembly while reducing production costs, as multiple systems or components arrive at an OEM’s facilities ready for installation already. Integrations also benefit performance by ensuring systems and components will be compatible during operation, and that OEMs and partners can balance any tradeoffs. This is extremely important when the battery choice is high voltage because every single project mistake can involve severe damages and critical upgrades to be made in short time
However, system integrations depend on OEMs collaborating with partners early during design and development, as well as letting partners collaborate among themselves. A thorough understanding of an application enables OEMs to determine the architecture’s final specifications. But after sharing requirements with partners, OEMs should focus on facilitating coordination to allow the experts in individual systems and components to work together. Good system integrations provide the improved performance that leads to success.
Q: How do you see battery technology evolving over the next three to five years in practical applications?
Davide Dal Pozzo: While battery technology is expected to continue a steady evolution, OEMs’ business strategies and customer relationships will likely undergo a more revolutionary transformation, which will extend beyond selling machinery alone. As electric platforms become increasingly complex, fleet operators may need assistance with servicing them, either mechanical or resembling IT support. OEMs might also consider offering rentals to expand revenue streams.
As OEMs evaluate these different models and approaches, it’s crucial to begin inviting end users to participate in early collaboration. Incorporating the operator’s perspective into design and engineering will offer OEMs and partners a distinct, valuable perspective.
Q: Any final comments?
Davide Dal Pozzo: Although we believe new technological innovations will emerge incrementally, we still expect to see big impacts from these evolutions and bold ideas that complement them. Strong system integrations, strong partner collaborations, and an entrepreneurial approach to business models can all be equally beneficial as better battery chemistries. And, in the long term, we need to stop considering electrification as an effect of policies and incentives, but rather a technological transition for new multifunctional industrial machinery.
Learn More About Aliant Battery
As a member of the Charged by Delta-Q partner network, Aliant Battery works alongside Delta-Q Technologies to help OEMs build integrated, application-driven solutions. From battery selection and system integration to long-term performance optimization, Aliant helps customers navigate the evolving electrification landscape with confidence. Visit the Aliant Battery website to learn more about its products, capabilities, and electrification expertise.
