BattChatt S1E3: Scaling Batteries for the World with Bob Galyen, Co-Founder and Former CTO of CATL

In this episode, host Jill Pestana interviews battery industry leader Bob Galyen, CTO of NAATBatt, about his path from aspiring surgeon to a 40+ year career in batteries, including early work at GM/Delco Remy, the Impact/EV1 program, co-founding of CATL, and his current work with Galyen Energy.He recounts recognition from Chinese leaders for EV batteries’ role in reducing air pollution and shares leadership lessons, including listening to colleagues. Galyen outlines his “five golden rules” for electrification: safety, performance, life, cost, and environmental, and discusses supply chains, workforce training, and the need for stable energy policy.For more information about NAATBatt International, the leading trade association for advanced battery technology in North America, visit https://www.naatbatt.org.Chapters:00:38 Meet Bob Gallion01:33 From Medicine to Batteries03:48 GM Breakthrough Moment06:00 Impact at CATL08:24 Leadership Lesson Learned11:04 Why Batteries Hooked Him14:36 Battery Autopsies and Blasts16:17 EV1 Origins Impact21:08 EV1 Market Reality Check23:27 Founding a Test Lab27:28 Selling to Magna33:22 Meeting Robin at CATL39:02 Quality Culture Shift43:39 Five Golden Rules49:29 China Honors Received54:00 Electrification Turning Point59:03 Supply Chain Reality01:01:03 Training the Workforce01:08:51 Building US Battery Base01:13:43 Mentorship and Legacy01:16:42 Advice for Young Pros01:20:04 Closing Reflections