Battery manufacturer StoreDot is partnering with global automotive component manufacturer Flex-N-Gate to expand the reach of its “extreme fast charging” (XFC) battery technology.
Rather than using traditional lithium-ion batteries, StoreDot has developed its own “100in5” battery. This battery promises a range of 100 miles (160 km) in just five minutes of charging.
By comparison, it takes about seven and a half minutes to provide an EV with 100 miles of range when using a Tesla Supercharger. Therefore, the 100in5 battery cuts EV charge times by 33%.
This breakthrough addresses the main obstacles to electric vehicle adoption, namely range anxiety and charging limitations.
How the batteries are made
StoreDot made the 100in5 battery by replacing graphite with nano-sized silicon particles in the battery’s anode. The company also incorporated its own polymer additives and conductive additives. These enhancements offer improved energy density and exceptionally fast charging.
In collaboration with Flex-N-Gate, StoreDot will produce samples of the 100in5 battery cells for testing and customization with North American automakers.
StoreDot will manufacture the 100in5 battery in the United States, Asia, and Europe. The company aims to leverage existing and future battery factories for just-in-time production efficiency. StoreDot is actively seeking production agreements in various locations to quickly scale up its technology.
Flex-N-Gate will commence mass production of the 100in5 batteries for North American customers in early 2024, with production scaling up by 2025. The batteries are expected to be available in late 2025 or early 2026 EV models.
StoreDot’s growing business network
StoreDot has also formed strategic partnerships with notable EV manufacturers, including Vinfast, Polestar, and Volvo. Through these collaborations, StoreDot’s technology may potentially be integrated into future Polestar cars.
Thomas Ingenlath, the CEO of Polestar, expressed his intention to implement StoreDot’s solutions by 2026 if upcoming pilot projects yield positive results.
In the first half of 2023, StoreDot provided sample cells to 15 automakers as part of a six-month real-world test. The cells got extremely positive reviews, which led some automakers to proceed to further testing.
Volvo is another of StoreDot’s EV partners. In September 2023, StoreDot signed a contract with Volvo to develop a customized battery for its future EVs. Testing of the initial samples resulting from this collaboration is expected to take place next year.
StoreDot’s global strategic investors and partners include Daimler, BP, Ola Electric, Samsung, TDK Corporation, and EVE Energy.
Making extreme fast charging even faster
In addition to the launch of the “100in5” battery in 2024, StoreDot has ambitious plans to develop three more generations of battery technology.
The “100in4” battery is expected to offer 100 miles (160 km) of range with just four minutes of charging. This battery is already in production at StoreDot’s research and development lab in California. According to Electric Autonomy Canada, full-scale mass production is scheduled to begin by 2026.
StoreDot also aims to develop a semi-solid-state “100in3” battery that can provide a 100-mile charge in three minutes. This battery will incorporate new materials, such as a gel-type electrolyte and specialized polymer separators.
While the 100in3 battery requires further research, StoreDot intends to make it ready for mass production by 2028.
Additionally, StoreDot is exploring the concept of a “100in2” battery cell. However, specific implementation details for this battery are still being determined.
Other exciting battery innovations
StoreDot’s extreme fast charging battery technology is one of many innovations that’s poised to kill range anxiety forever.
In October, Toyota announced that it would soon begin manufacturing its long-promised solid-state battery. The solid-state battery will provide a driving range of over 621 miles (1,000 kilometers) per full charge. It will also enable EV drivers to achieve an 80% recharge in just 10 minutes.
And in September, South Korean researchers announced that they had developed a silicon battery that could provide a 3,000-mile driving range.
Image Source: energyportal.eu, https://shorturl.at/bEV19
