The company is specifically working on supplying these materials to Tesla vehicles, one of the manufacturers leading the electrified car market. In this regard, Panasonic recently announced in a breakthrough that it is seeking to increase the energy density of its batteries by 20% by 2030.

The area in charge of that development is Panasonic Energy, a central unit of Panasonic Holdings, which is looking for a battery that uses a new combination of additives to allow individual cells to operate at a higher voltage without damaging their performance.

Read also: “Power Day: NIO Presents Important Innovations Related to its Electromobility Commitment

This 20% increase in battery energy density would translate into a 900 Wh/l output for the future generation of components, compared to 750 Wh/l for those currently made

Panasonic’s current battery cell for Tesla uses a voltage of 4.2 volts, but, according to the company’s Chief Technology Officer Shoichiro Watanabe, an increase to 4.3 or 4.4 volts is possible with that new blend of electrolyte additives.

During an interview for Reuters news agency, Watanabe explained that if that gain is achieved, it would increase the driving range of a Model Y by more than 100 km with a battery pack of the same size.

Better Performance and Lower Cost

The CTO further noted that they expect a new larger-format 4680 battery, which Tesla is already producing, to reduce production costs and improve range compared to the current-generation 2170 battery.

Another benefit of these superior batteries is that they could allow manufacturers to build cars that are lighter in weight and more spacious, while keeping driving range unchanged.

Panasonic’s research to optimize batteries is not limited to these advances. Among the studies carried out by the Japanese multinational are also in the search to prevent the so-called “micro-cracks” that develop in the positive electrode when the battery is continuously charged and discharged, which ends up drastically shortening its useful life.

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The company’s latest innovation is the unveiling of the so-called Qilin batteries, which are capable of 80% recharge in just 10 minutes, a figure that is already encouraging, but which CATL said can be halved.

The batteries offer high energy density through two types of chemistry: the NCM (nickel, cobalt and manganese) have 250 Wh/kg gravimetric energy density, while the LFP (lithium ferrophosphate lithium) version offers 160 Wh/kg. The latter also offer lower production costs.

Read also: Mitch Evans Assures that Formula E is Stronger than F1

Taking into account energy density and space utilization, these batteries will be able to offer up to 1,000 kilometers of autonomy in an electric car.

Battery Details

According to CATL’s official website, in terms of recharge speed, they mention an electronic “super grid” that increases the response speed of the cathode to charging signals; superconducting electrolytes that increase the transmission speed of lithium ions (and therefore the charging speed); or a high porosity separator capable of shortening the average transmission distance and decreasing the transmission resistance of Lithium ions.

One of the improvements of these new batteries has to do with space utilization: according to the manufacturer, Qilin batteries can use 72% of the volume to install cells that can store energy.

The Chinese manufacturer plans to start mass-producing Qilin batteries, which to achieve the promised recharge times has been essential to improve the battery’s liquid cooling system: in the new batteries, the heat transfer surface area has been increased by four thanks to cooling elements placed between neighboring cells. This allows the cell to cool rapidly under extreme circumstances.

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The battery has an energy charge of 107 Ah and weighs 0.982 kilograms to deliver a gravimetric density of 417 Wh/kg and a volumetric density of 935 Wh/liter, exceeding conventional Lithium batteries (280 Wh/kg and 730 Wh/liter).

SES was able to prove through a number of tests the high energy capacity it can offer. To this end, the cells were subjected to a high recharge capacity C/10 (10-hour discharge), C/3 (3-hour discharge) and 1C (1-hour discharge) at room temperature. In addition, the company developed an algorithm that endows the battery with artificial intelligence to optimize performance, ensure part safety and control the refueling process.

Related content: SES Develops Lithium Metal Batteries with High Charging Capacity

Qichao Hu, founder and CEO of SES, has stated that they are still working to get as much performance out of this battery as possible, in order to mass-produce it and then market it. Currently, the company is collaborating with carmakers Hyundai and General Motors, who are testing cell prototypes under real-world conditions.

“These batteries will need to undergo further testing and optimization, but we are very excited about the performance they have demonstrated. The batteries must be able to deliver high energy density over a wide range of temperature and power density. A car must operate in hot and cold environments and run smoothly when driving fast or slow. Solid-state batteries can never achieve this performance on par with our Lithium Metal Hybrid batteries,” he said.

SES aims to bring this energy replenishment option to market by 2025, which do not require any dedicated technology to produce.

About SES

Founded in 2012, SES is an integrated Lithium-Metal battery manufacturer with strong capabilities in materials, cell design, AI-driven modules and algorithms, and Lithium-Metal recycling. Headquartered in Singapore, SES has operations in Boston (USA), Shanghai (China) and Seoul (Korea).

Written by | Ronald Ortega

The post SES introduces Apollo: A 107 Ah Lithium Metal Battery appeared first on Green Racing News.

This is a commitment to a future zero-emission racing series. Each battery used on the S1-X will be recycled, which are manufactured by Williams Advance Engineering. Once the power source completes its lifecycle, Umicore will extract the valuable metals using its technological processes to return them to a pure state.

Therefore, a new opportunity to be used for new battery production will be given to these active cathode materials. One of the processes where the company takes greater care is extraction, because if cells are crushed, both workers and environment could be exposed to hazardous compounds present inside the battery.

Related content: eSkootr Championship to have Formula E Mind as CTO

As stated by eSkootr, the materials present at the S1-X power source are infinitely recyclable, allowing Umicore to focus on a closed-loop life cycle to return metals to active uses, over and over again.

“To achieve our mission to become the most sustainable racing series in the world, we have partnered with environmental industry leaders, such as Umicore, who are pioneering best practices in electric vehicle battery recycling,” said Hrag Sarkissian, co-founder and CEO of the eSkootr Championship.

In addition, eSC notes that working with Umicore will allow them to turn their laboratory into a cutting-edge site and technological pioneer, both in terms of battery recycling, to subsequently transfer that knowledge towards urban micromobility, one of the purposes for which this sustainable competition category was born.

“A circular design, as well as vehicle battery recycling, will be key elements in creating long-term sustainable solutions. We will use our expertise on metal recovery to recycle the eSC Championship S1-X batteries on an environmentally friendly way,” said Tom Van Bellinghen, Umicore’s Vice President of Sales and Marketing.

About Umicore

Umicore defines itself as a global recycling and materials technology group. They reduce harmful emissions, power vehicles and technologies of the future by giving new life to used metals. Sustainable value creation is based on the ambition to develop, produce and recycle materials in a way that fulfills the company’s core mission: materials for a better life.

Written by | Ronald Ortega

The post eSkootr and Umicore to Give Scooter Batteries a Second Life appeared first on Green Racing News.

The company claims that all materials used are 100% recycled, something that is being increasingly adopted by the automotive sector to reduce emissions’ negative impact. The battery meets all the requirements and technical capabilities of a brand new battery.

The most interesting elements when recovering were nickel, manganese and cobalt, since they are fundamental parts for the development of this battery. They were treated in a low-energy hydrometallurgical process using an aqueous solution to separate the impurities contained therein.

Related content: SES Develops Lithium Metal Batteries with High Charging Capacity

All of this has been made possible by Northvolt’s recycling project called Revolt, as Emma Nehrenheim, the company’s Environmental Director and Revolt Program Manager, let it be known. “What we have shown here is a clear path to closing the battery cycle and that there is a sustainable and environmentally preferable alternative to conventional mining to obtain raw materials for battery production.

“The recycling process can recover up to 95% of the metals on a battery at a purity level on par with fresh virgin material. What we need now is to increase recycling capabilities ahead of future battery volumes requiring recycling.”

The Swedish company’s efforts are just beginning. Having demonstrated the functionality and viability of this recycled battery, however, Northvolt will expand its manufacturing plant to cover 125,000 tons of batteries annually.

About Northvolt

Northvolt is a leading European supplier of high quality, sustainable battery cells and systems. Founded in 2016 to enable Europe’s transition to a decarbonized future, the company has rapidly advanced on its mission to deliver the world’s greenest lithium-ion battery with a minimal CO2 footprint, and has grown to more than 2,300 people of over 100 different nationalities.

Northvolt has to date secured more than $27 billion in contracts from key customers, including BMW, Fluence, Scania, Volkswagen, Volvo Cars and Polestar, to support its plan, which includes establishing recycling capabilities to enable 50 percent of all its raw material requirements to be sourced from recycled batteries by 2030.

Written by | Ronald Ortega

The post Northvolt Develops Battery Created from Recycled Materials appeared first on Green Racing News.

The ‘high density’ condition allows the batteries to offer greater autonomy for electric vehicles, as well as tolerating large charging capacities to replenish energy by 80% in only 15 minutes.

According to several studies and tests carried out by various universities and car manufacturers, Lithium Metal batteries represent a cheaper, lighter, more efficient and therefore better solution than Li-ion batteries, because this element is used in its pure form, instead of mixing graphite and copper as is currently done. This technology unlocks enormous potential in terms of charging to double the autonomies seen on the market, as well as the safety of this vital element for sustainable mobility.

SES cells reach 400 Wh/Kg and 1,000 Wh/l, while conventional Lithium generates 280 Wh/Kg and 730 Wh/l. As if that were not enough, this company patented an algorithm capable of adding artificial intelligence to the battery and gathering large amounts of information, which may be very useful when it comes to interpreting this data for better development, safety and reliability.

Related Content: Solid Silicon Battery Surprises Creators

On the other hand, SES said, the batteries do not require dedicated technology for production purposes, as they have more than 15,000 hybrid cells already manufactured, which means that eventual large-scale development will not require additional investment.

This Lithium This lithium metal battery will be presented at Battery World 2021, which takes place in the United States on November 3. In addition, it will also be shown to the world in South Korea and China the next day.

About SES

Founded in 2012, SES is an integrated Lithium-Metal battery manufacturer with strong capabilities in materials, cell design, AI-driven modules and algorithms, and Lithium-Metal recycling. Headquartered in Singapore, SES has operations in Boston (USA), Shanghai (China) and Seoul (Korea).

Written by | Ronald Ortega

The post SES Develops Lithium Metal Batteries with High Charge Capacity appeared first on Green Racing News.

It is an eLNO ( Lithium-nickel-oxide) cathode battery technology which can produce, according to the company, up to 20% more optimal performance on electric vehicles, with Envision Racing being the perfect place to test this solution that must be subjected to the highest demands possible.

In Formula E, batteries suffer high stress. There, Johnson Matthey will work to improve the cathode chemistry. In fact, enhancing this aspect on batteries happens to be the goal of many companies for the future of sustainable mobility. However, they are already claiming to have achieved a technology that raises expectations with this eLNO cathode.

From the company, it has been described as a Nickel-rich oxide structure that raises the energy density by 20% while being structured in layers, comparing these results with current cathode formulas (NMC 622: 60% nickel, 20% manganese and 20% cobalt). For this, they have used a patented stabilizer, added a surface that prevents instability and guarantees a good life cycle.

Related content: Envision Virgin Racing Confirms Robin Frijns for the Upcoming Season

“Our eLNO technology will provide a step change in battery energy density for EVs coming out in just a few years. It therefore supports the industry’s commitment to fight climate change. We are proud to have worked with Envision Virgin Racing to introduce eLNO in the exciting race car. It represents an important step towards high-volume production of the technology in Europe over the coming years,” says Christian Gϋnther, Head of Johnson Matthey’s Battery Materials Sector.

About Johnson Matthey

As a global leader of sustainable technologies, Johnson Matthey applies cutting-edge science to create solutions with customers that make a real difference in the world around them. JM’s vision is for a cleaner, healthier world, today and for future generations. That’s why they are dedicated to helping address the four essential transitions the world needs for a sustainable future: reducing emissions, transforming energy systems, producing decarbonizing chemicals and creating a circular economy.

Written by | Ronald Ortega

The post From Formula E to the Streets: The Johnson Matthey Proposal to Improve Batteries appeared first on Green Racing News.

Silicon has the ability to provide through its anode a high energy density; in fact, it can be 10 times higher than anodes formed by a graphite structure. However, each time it is mixed or combined with a liquid electrolyte, it suffers considerable degradation affecting performance.

Therefore, the researchers were surprised after successfully showing signs of stability above 60 degrees Celsius, allowing fast charging speeds at a low temperature. It is worth noting that solid-state batteries have always shown limitations on the recharge rate after using Lithium Metal anodes.

The nanostructure specialists who carried out the research at the University of San Diego were able to overcome up to 10 times the charging and discharging cycles of the silicon battery with a solid electrolyte in comparison with conventional Lithium batteries, since up to 500 times it fulfilled their function by providing 80% of the total capacity.

Related Content: Ford Partners with Redwood Materials to Establish Battery Recycling Program

The success of this project is due in part to the replacement of the liquid electrolyte with a sulfur-based solid one, providing highly significant stability to silicon anode batteries. It was long thought that this would not be possible because of the interpretations of thermodynamics employed that failed to account for the kinetic stability of solid electrolytes. “We needed a totally different approach,” said Shirley Meng, Nanoengineering Professor at the University of San Diego.

“With this battery configuration, we are opening up a new territory for solid-state batteries employing alloy anodes like silicon. The result gives us exciting opportunities to meet market demands: batteries with higher volumetric energy, reduced costs, and safer,” said Darren HS Tan, Lead Author of the paper.

Written by | Ronald Ortega

The post Developers are Surprised by a Solid Silicon Battery appeared first on Green Racing News.

Located in Salzgitter, the research and development center was created in order to significantly increase the range of electrified cars, with an investment of 70 million euros to produce battery cells on a large scale, putting an end to outside orders placed with other companies to satisfy this need.

The site is now fully operational. It was inaugurated on September 13 and was attended by Thomas Schmall, Director of Technology and Components at Volkswagen, who unveiled the project as the first step towards the extension of a larger complex, providing major sources of jobs for the region.

“With the new, state-of-the-art laboratories, we are further expanding our expertise in the development, process and production of battery cell, the heart of the electric vehicle. The Volkswagen site in Salzgitter demonstrates how the transformation of the German automotive industry from conventional propulsion systems to electric mobility can be successful,” said Schmall via an official brand statement.

The 2,500-square-meter structure will house various tests that will benefit or clarify the path to green mobility. Tests of up to 200 different analytical methods and development of new formulas allowing higher energy loads will be part of VW’s project.

Related content: Volkswagen Increases Production to 600,000 Battery Systems Per Year

A small batch of batteries intended for testing has already started its work line. However, major breakthroughs are expected by 2025, when production of battery cells at considerable volumes will begin, reducing the final price of electrified vehicles assembled by the German brand.

Written by | Ronald Ortega

The post Volkswagen will have a new laboratory for battery development appeared first on Green Racing News.

It is worth noting that an element of this type must go through a complicated path before going to market, since its chemical and mechanical properties must find a balance because of its thermal management and potential consequences of a strong impact caused by accidents, therefore, shock absorption is necessary to be channeled.

This casing has been called Durethan BKV30FN04 and is made of polyamide 6, a fiberglass-reinforced material which provides extreme safety measures, as it cannot be ignited.

Also, its light weight, makes it ideal for not increasing the weight of the vehicles, optimizing results when it is necessary to install additional equipment, and providing optimal characteristics when covering the batteries without affecting the functionality they perform.

Related content: Improving Lithium Batteries: A Priority in Electromobility

LANXESS Casing Details

LANXESS claims that it can withstand an extremely high voltage of up to 800 V after numerous tests and studies. It also has the advantage of blocking or suppressing this energy charge, in case of emergencies or if necessary. This, together with the materials described above, makes it highly resistant.

Moreover, the casing can be used to perform other functions beyond the coating of electric car batteries, such as high-voltage connectors, cell cooling system pipes or cable supports. It can even be used to reinforce the hydrogen tank.

About LANXESS

LANXESS is a leading specialty chemicals company with 2018 sales of €7.2 billion. The company currently has about 15,500 employees in 33 countries, and is currently represented at 60 production sites around the world. The core business activities are the development, manufacture and marketing of chemical intermediates, additives, specialty chemicals and plastics. LANXESS is listed on the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI World and Europe) and FTSE4Good.

Written by | Ronald Ortega

The post LANXESS introduces a casing for Electric Car Batteries appeared first on Green Racing News.