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The next generation of battery performance will increasingly come from software
7/7/2026
8 min read
Feature
Software is becoming an increasingly important driver of innovation in battery storage. Participants at a recent Barclays roundtable discussed how battery management systems, repurposing electric vehicle (EV) batteries for stationary energy storage and intelligent controls could improve the performance, value and longevity of battery assets. Kristy Jooste, Senior Content Officer, Energy Institute, reports.
For years, battery innovation has largely been measured by improvements in chemistry. Increasingly, companies believe the next gains will come from software.
Those themes emerged during a recent Barclays energy transition roundtable marking the tenth anniversary of Unreasonable Impact, Barclays’ programme supporting high-growth climate technology businesses. Investors, entrepreneurs and sustainable finance specialists discussed how software, battery management systems and repurposed EV batteries could improve battery performance while helping electricity systems make better use of renewable generation.
Although the technologies differ, they share a common objective. For example, Brill Power, an Oxford University spin-out company, has developed battery management software that optimises the performance of individual battery cells, extending battery life and improving utilisation. Meanwhile, Connected Energy repurposes EV batteries that are no longer suitable for transport, deploying them in stationary energy storage systems without modifying the batteries themselves. Both approaches are designed to increase the value each battery delivers over its operating life.