Solid Power announces trial production line of solid-state batteries

Electric vehicle battery starter (EV) Solid power completed the installation of a trial production line for solid-state cells.

Solid-state battery technology is being studied extensively and is seen as a potential game-changer because compared to common lithium-ion or lithium iron phosphate chemical plants, it could theoretically provide offers greater range, less mass, and faster charging.

Dubbed ‘EV . Mobile Pilot Series‘, this production setup is designed to produce sulphide-based solid-state battery cells at “EV scale” – that is, high-scale.

The US-based start-up had existing partnerships with BMW and Ford, and was initially funded by Hyundai, among other investors. It was established in 2011.

Solid Power intends to manufacture its solid-state battery cells for internal testing before branching out and deliver the cells to BMW and Ford for “quality inspection” by the end of 2022.

This pilot solid-state battery production line has been built to mimic the long-established process of lithium-ion production, in order to “reduce commercial risk”.

At full capacity, the pilot production line is expected to be capable of producing 300 cells per week, or about 15,000 cells per year.

Solid Power says its ‘Silicon EV Cell’ is designed for “longer range, lower cost and safer electric vehicles”.

The original design consisted of 40 double-sided cathode and 41 anode. There are also more than 50 per silicon active in the anode, which is said to increase energy density.

EV Battery Starter says its Silicon EV Cells have a target gravity energy density of 390Wh/kg. For context, the present is built by China Tesla Model 3 with a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery with a gravity energy density of 125Wh/kg.

The Solid Power Silicon EV cell also has a stated minimum charge time of 15 minutes and can be recharged over 1000 times before it degrades.

Solid Power hopes to be able to optimize its Silicon EV Cells for capacity between 60 and 100 Ah.

Chief Executive Officer Doug Campbell said: “Solid Power is encouraged by taking the next step on its automotive quality inspection roadmap.

“Installing this EV cell test line will allow us to manufacture suitable EV-scale cells to begin the formal automotive qualification process.

“Over the coming quarters, we will work to bring the EV cell test line to its full potential and look forward to providing EV-scale solid-state cells to our partners. later this year.”

Solid Power isn’t the only company gearing up to produce solid-state batteries, with other suppliers and automakers joining the action.

Nissan recently announced its prototype solid-state battery production facility at its Research Center in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan.

Japanese car manufacturer is leading solid-state battery development for its alliance partners – Renault and Nissan – and plans to launch its proprietary solid-state battery (ASSB) electric vehicle in fiscal year 2028.

Toyota also said that it was testing solid-state batteries from 2020 and plans to first introduce them in its hybrid vehicles, before rolling it out in upcoming electric vehicles.

It says short life is a primary concern for solid-state batteries, and therefore it is continuing to develop solid electrolyte materials. Colder temperature performance is also an issue.

Stellantis and Mercedes-Benz announce at the end of 2021 they have jumped on the solid-state battery train and signed joint agreements with US-based Factorial Energy to develop solid-state batteries for their vehicles.

The companies aim to introduce the “first competitive solid-state battery technology” by 2026.

Hyundai and Kia have also partnered with Factorial Energy to test its solid state batteries in their EVs.

In December 2020, Volkswagen-backed company QuantumScape announced that it would have solid-state batteries ready for production by 2024, while GM . Battery Development Center in Warren, Michigan will develop solid-state batteries among other types of batteries, including silicon.

THAN: Solid State Batteries: What Are They?
THAN: Ford and BMW invest in solid-state battery technology
THAN: Nissan solid-state battery factory can make a longer-range electronics