This article was originally published at: https://breaking9to5.com/solid-state-ev-batteries-boost-efficiency-safety/

US-based startup Ion Storage Systems is gearing up to introduce its innovative solid-state electric vehicle (EV) battery, which incorporates a brain-like structure using advanced ceramic powder provided by Saint-Gobain. The centuries-old materials expert is aiding in the progression from pilot stage to a large-scale commercial manufacturing line. The goal of the new EV battery is to charge faster, have a longer range, be more affordable, rely less on rare earths and hazardous chemicals, and be more easily recyclable than traditional lithium-ion batteries.

With Saint-Gobain’s expertise in high-performance materials, the collaboration aims to revolutionize the EV battery industry by meeting the growing demand for sustainable and efficient energy storage options. Additionally, the solid-state technology being developed by Ion Storage Systems has the potential to address safety concerns associated with current lithium-ion batteries, paving the way for a safer, cleaner, and more accessible electric transportation ecosystem.

Battery design and solid-state electrolytes

Instead of liquid electrolytes, solid-state EV batteries utilize a semi-solid gel or another non-liquid substance, in this instance, a ceramic material. The challenge lies in ensuring that the solid-state electrolytes retain their shape throughout charging and discharging cycles, without breaking or crumbling. To overcome this obstacle, researchers and manufacturers are continuously experimenting with new materials and cutting-edge technology. By doing so, they aim to develop highly efficient, durable, and safe solid-state batteries that have the potential to revolutionize the electric vehicle industry.

Impact on decarbonization efforts

The successful development of these batteries has the potential to make a significant impact on decarbonization efforts. According to the US Department of Energy, solid-state batteries represent a major breakthrough in increasing the EV driving range. Furthermore, these batteries offer improved safety and faster charging times compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries, making electric vehicles more appealing to potential buyers. This, in turn, would promote widespread adoption of electric vehicles, substantially reducing greenhouse gas emissions and accelerating the transition towards a more sustainable transport system.

Groundbreaking technology

The groundbreaking battery technology developed by Ion Storage Systems is based on ceramic research conducted at the University of Maryland and received close to $5 million in funding from the Energy Department’s ARPA-E (Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy) in 2017. This innovative technology aims to revolutionize the energy storage sector by offering safer, longer-lasting, and more efficient batteries. The unique ceramic composition used in these batteries helps to eliminate the risk of thermal runaway and short circuits, paving the way for a new era of enhanced energy storage solutions.

The potential of ceramic solid-state batteries

The ceramic solid-state EV battery is expected to lower production costs while providing high energy density, strong cycling performance, broad temperature range, and rapid charging capabilities. This revolutionary technology will not only make electric vehicles more affordable for consumers, but also pave the way for a greener and more sustainable future in transportation. As more companies adopt ceramic solid-state batteries in their EV production, we can expect a significant shift in the automotive landscape, ultimately reducing both our carbon footprint and dependence on fossil fuels.

Securing funding and partnership with Toyota Ventures

In June 2022, the startup secured over $30 million in Series A funding, backed by Toyota Ventures. The infusion of capital from Toyota Ventures is expected to accelerate product development and fuel ongoing growth for the startup. This strategic partnership will enable the company to expand its reach into new markets, solidifying its position as an innovative leader in the industry.

Establishing manufacturing capabilities

This investment is anticipated to assist in establishing a manufacturing facility for producing the new solid-state EV battery with an initial capacity of 10 megawatt-hours per year, aiming to eventually scale up to gigawatt capacity. The proposed manufacturing facility will not only boost production efficiency, but it will also play a pivotal role in meeting the growing demand for sustainable and reliable energy storage solutions. As solid-state batteries are known for their increased energy density and improved safety features when compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries, this investment is expected to bring about a significant advancement in the EV battery industry.

Collaboration with Saint-Gobain

The collaboration with renowned ceramics specialist Saint-Gobain will be crucial in achieving these objectives. This partnership aims to combine Saint-Gobain’s expertise in advanced ceramics and materials science with the innovative approaches of other industry leaders. By working together, the companies expect to see significant advancements in the field of ceramics, ultimately leading to new cutting-edge applications and products.

First Reported on: cleantechnica.com

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a solid-state EV battery?

A solid-state EV battery is an electric vehicle battery that uses a semi-solid gel or another non-liquid substance, like a ceramic material, instead of liquid electrolytes. These batteries aim to offer improved safety, faster charging times, and increased EV driving range compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries.

What is the technology behind Ion Storage Systems’ solid-state batteries?

Ion Storage Systems’ solid-state battery technology is based on ceramic research conducted at the University of Maryland and utilizes an innovative ceramic material for the electrolyte. This unique ceramic composition helps eliminate the risk of thermal runaway and short circuits while providing safe, efficient, and long-lasting energy storage.

What potential impact could solid-state batteries have on decarbonization efforts?

Solid-state batteries have the potential to significantly impact decarbonization efforts by increasing the driving range of electric vehicles, improving their safety, and shortening charging times. These benefits may make electric vehicles more appealing to potential buyers, promoting widespread adoption and substantially reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector.

How is Saint-Gobain involved in developing solid-state batteries?

Ion Storage Systems has partnered with Saint-Gobain, a leading ceramics specialist, to develop its solid-state battery technology. Saint-Gobain provides advanced ceramic powder used in the electrolyte, and their expertise in high-performance materials is crucial in optimizing the battery design and scale-up to mass production.

How does the collaboration with Toyota Ventures benefit Ion Storage Systems?

In June 2022, Ion Storage Systems secured over $30 million in Series A funding backed by Toyota Ventures. This strategic partnership and infusion of capital are expected to accelerate product development and fuel ongoing growth for the startup, enabling the company to expand its reach into new markets and solidifying its position as an innovative leader in the industry.

What are the expected manufacturing capabilities of Ion Storage Systems?

The investment from Toyota Ventures is anticipated to help establish a manufacturing facility for producing the new solid-state EV battery with an initial capacity of 10 megawatt-hours per year, aiming to eventually scale up to gigawatt capacity. This facility will be crucial in meeting the growing demand for sustainable and reliable energy storage solutions and advancing the EV battery industry.

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This article was originally published at: https://breaking9to5.com/solid-state-ev-batteries-boost-efficiency-safety/