【4.17 Lithium Battery News】Driven by the surge in car purchases, US retail sales recorded the largest increase in two years.

【Live】China's New Energy Mineral Demand and Outlook, Global Cobalt Market Dynamics, Interpretation of the New Mineral Resources Law

【MIIT: Organizing Industrial Energy Conservation and Carbon Reduction Diagnosis Services for 2025】 The General Office of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology issued a notice on organizing industrial energy conservation and carbon reduction diagnosis services for 2025, focusing on industries such as steel, ethylene, synthetic ammonia, calcium carbide, aluminum, polysilicon, lithium batteries, cement, ceramics, flat glass, and electronic appliances, as well as information infrastructure like data centers and communication base stations. Energy conservation and carbon reduction service institutions are to provide public welfare diagnosis services for enterprises, identifying weaknesses in production processes, key product equipment, energy structure and system optimization, and energy and carbon management system construction. Based on this, they should propose technical, equipment, and management measures for energy conservation and carbon reduction, providing replicable and easily promotable system solutions for enterprises in different industries and development stages. Service institutions are encouraged to provide continuous follow-up services to enterprises that have received industrial energy conservation diagnosis services since the 14th Five-Year Plan, promoting the implementation of energy-saving measures. They are also encouraged to conduct product carbon footprint accounting based on relevant national, industry, and recommended group standards (available on the MIIT website).

【Significantly Extending the Lifespan of Next-Generation Lithium Batteries: Scientists Discover New Method】 According to Caixin, a research team from the Chinese Academy of Sciences has discovered that heating the lithium-rich manganese-based cathode material of next-generation lithium batteries can help restore voltage in aged batteries, effectively "rejuvenating" them. This discovery provides a new approach to developing smarter and more durable next-generation lithium batteries. The research was conducted by a team from the Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and the findings have been published online in the international academic journal *Nature*.

【Tinci Materials: US LiPF6 Project in Preliminary Preparation Phase】 Tinci Materials (002709.SZ) released an investor relations activity record, stating that in January 2025, the company signed a cooperation agreement with Honeywell to establish a joint venture aimed at accelerating the large-scale production of electrolytes and LiPF6 in the North American market. Both parties will jointly invest in the construction of electrolyte and LiPF6 projects, which are currently in the preliminary preparation phase. Tinci Texas plans to build an annual 200,000 mt electrolyte project, with land acquisition completed and factory design and related environmental assessment procedures underway.

【NBS: China's High-Quality Development Actively Advancing】 Sheng Laiyun, Deputy Director of the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), stated at a press conference of the State Council Information Office that China's high-quality development is actively advancing. First, innovation continues to progress, with new quality productive forces being cultivated and expanded. In Q1, regions increased support for innovation, particularly driving the development of high-tech industries through the application of artificial intelligence and quantum communication. Second, coordinated development continues to improve, with industrial and demand structures steadily enhancing. Industries are transforming towards high-end, intelligent, and green development. Manufacturing investment, especially in high-tech industries, has increased. Third, high-level openness continues to advance, with new trade patterns forming rapidly. Fourth, green development is steadily progressing, with industries represented by NEVs, lithium batteries, and PV maintaining rapid growth. The proportion of non-fossil energy usage has increased. Fifth, new progress has been made in improving people's livelihoods and ensuring safe development.

【Tesla's Q1 EV Market Share in California Drops to 43.9%】 Data shows that Tesla's Q1 registrations in California fell 15.1% YoY, with its EV market share in the state dropping from 55.5% YoY to 43.9%.

【US Retail Sales Post Largest Increase in Two Years, Driven by Car Purchase Boom】 US retail sales surged significantly in March due to a spike in purchases of cars, electronics, and other goods, indicating consumers were rushing to buy before tariffs took effect. Data released by the US Department of Commerce on Wednesday showed that unadjusted retail sales rose 1.4%, the largest increase in over two years. Excluding cars, retail sales grew 0.5%. This growth suggests consumers were buying cars ahead of President Donald Trump's 25% tariff on vehicles, with tariffs on parts set to take effect no later than May 3. This is expected to drive car prices up by thousands of dollars, though Trump is considering possible temporary exemptions. Car sales posted the largest increase in two years, with broad-based growth across 11 of the 13 categories reported.