W. L. Gore & Associates has opened a new Battery Lab in Shanghai, expanding its global research and development footprint with a facility dedicated to accelerating the development of advanced battery materials. The company said the lab will support customers worldwide across electric mobility, energy storage and consumer electronics.
The facility is designed for comprehensive material testing and characterization at both the cell and pack level. Gore said the lab will focus on venting solutions, thermal runaway mitigation, explosion protection and pressure-management technologies—areas critical to improving lithium-ion battery safety and stability. The company also aims to shorten development cycles for OEMs by enabling faster iterations from prototype to market.
Gore said its materials science expertise underpins the new research hub. The Shanghai lab will support innovation in areas such as dry electrode processing, formation techniques and advanced membrane technologies. These solutions are intended to address challenges related to gas release, condensation, thermal events and structural integrity in next-generation battery systems.
The company highlighted its longstanding role in the automotive industry, where its venting and moisture-management technologies are used in ADAS sensors, electronics, powertrain systems, chassis components and vehicle lighting. These components rely on durability and safety performance that Gore’s materials are designed to enhance.
The lab will also serve as a collaborative platform for OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers. Gore said the facility brings global expertise closer to regional customers, supporting co-development in cell design, pack engineering and vehicle integration. “Integrating global resources allows for agile responses,” said Yong Zhao, Automotive Vents Asia Pacific Business Leader, adding that the approach aims to support sustainable growth. Dr. Justin Skaife, CTO of Gore’s Performance Solutions, said the company is building “future-ready solutions for next-generation battery systems” through cross-industry innovation.
