Energy Storage South 2027

Dr. John Warner is a globally recognized expert in lithium-ion battery technology, electrification strategy, and clean mobility innovation. With a career spanning automotive OEMs, five battery tech start-ups, and a successful investor exit via the Komatsu acquisition of American Battery Solutions, John blends hands-on engineering with executive-level foresight. He is the author of The Handbook of Lithium-Ion Battery Pack Design and Lithium-Ion Chemistries: A Primer, widely used across academic, government, and industrial sectors. John's expertise extends into licensing cutting-edge battery management systems, navigating U.S.–China trade dynamics, and helping shape the future of energy storage across transit, off-road, and industrial vehicle sectors. When he's not presenting at major industry events like The Battery Show or PlugVolt, John’s working behind the scenes driving sales training, moderating panels on U.S. energy policy, and advising on sustainable battery innovation strategies. An adventurer at heart, he recharges by exploring national parks and tackling off-grid treks — all while staying a step ahead in electrifying the future.

Paul Charles is an energy industry leader and Principal at Charles and Associates, LLC. His expertise covers battery supply chains, infrastructure deployment, global manufacturing strategy, and 'Grid Law'—the concept that power delivery capacity governs AI deployment velocity. He is a frequent keynote speaker and presenter at global industry events, including NAATBatt International and Gigafactory Summits.

In 2026, Dr. Zhengming (John) Zhang continues to advance lithium‑ion battery safety through research, standards leadership, and industry engagement. His latest work builds on the Internal Spot Shorting–Induced Thermal Runaway Mechanism (ISSITRM) and the ongoing global adoption of ceramic‑coated separator (CCS) technology, which is widely used to improve safety and performance in high‑energy lithium‑ion cells. Dr. Zhang’s thought leadership also reflects his role in establishing production‑level lithium‑ion battery safety standards as a leader of the cell‑level working groups for IEEE P1625 and IEEE P1725, translating scientific understanding into real‑world safety improvements across consumer electronics, electric vehicles, and energy‑storage systems. He remains an active keynote speaker, panelist, and conference organizer, with more than 60 international battery conferences organized to date, and regularly shares expert perspectives on battery safety, separator innovation, and the future of energy storage. In recognition of the sustained impact of his work, Dr. Zhang received the 2026 NAATBatt Lifetime Achievement Award, honoring extraordinary contributions to the advancement, safety, and impact of lithium‑ion battery technology.

Pranav is a Technology Analyst at IDTechEx, focusing on electric vehicle and energy storage technologies. Pranav graduated from Imperial College London with an MEng in Chemical Engineering. Prior to joining IDTechEx in 2023, he worked as a market intelligence analyst for a leading financial technology company, developing experience in identifying short and medium-term market opportunities. At IDTechEx, Pranav's work focuses on electric vehicles and battery technology, including authoring reports on Additives for Li-ion Batteries & PFAS-Free Batteries and Direct Lithium Extraction. He continues to attend events to carry out research and present IDTechEx's research findings at conferences.