While battery research and battery production in Germany are facing difficult times, “theion”, with its innovative sulfur-crystal battery, is opening a technology center in Berlin. In an exclusive interview with Battery-News, CEO Ulrich Ehmes explains how the facility will drive research and production forward, what challenges need to be overcome, and what role the technology could play in electric mobility and energy storage.
Battery research in Germany is almost collapsing, smaller companies have to give up in some areas, and larger companies are reporting delays in setting up their production. How did you come up with the idea of entering the battery market with a disruptive technology now of all times?
Similar to how battery technology shifted from nickel-cadmium to lithium-ion 30 years ago, it is now high time for the next disruption. We need to move away from expensive, hard-to-obtain active materials in batteries and focus on those that are abundant and affordable worldwide. This will also free us from our dependence on China. Sulfur, a very affordable material with five times the specific capacity, is an ideal candidate. We need to make sustainable and affordable battery cells accessible to everyone, ensuring the success of the energy transition. And the time is now.
Could sulfur batteries to replace lithium-ion batteries any time soon?
It is unlikely that sulfur-based batteries will completely replace lithium-ion batteries virtually overnight. However, they hold great potential in areas where energy density and costs are crucial, as is the case with all mobile applications and stationary energy storage systems. Lithium-ion technologies will continue to play an important role, but we believe that sulfur batteries are superior in the long term.
Many start-up companies promise revolutionary technologies. Why should “theion” create something that others have failed at?
Many start-ups fail because of the complexity and cost of battery research and production. However, we work with a relatively simple and inexpensive material—sulfur—, using elegant process steps, all based on the laws of physics and the right choice of materials. Ultimately, of course, success comes down to the team. It doesn’t have to be large, but it must combine experience, courage, expertise, and a willingness to go the famous extra mile.
Will the use of sulfur also noticeably reduce the production costs of batteries in the long term?
Yes, at 20 euro-cents per kilogram, sulfur as a cathode material is an extremely affordable and widely available material, which significantly reduces our battery production costs. Today, cathode material accounts for more than 50 percent of a battery cellʼs material costs. Compared to expensive and scarce materials such as cobalt or nickel, as in NMC811 at 20 euros per kilogram, our sulfur-based batteries offer a long-term sustainable and cost-effective solution. We are therefore targeting cell prices below 40 euros per kilowatt-hour.
What obstacles do you see in the acceptance of your technology in the automotive industry, which tends to rely on proven technologies?
It is true that the automotive industry relies heavily on established technologies, but there is also a clear trend towards innovations that can significantly reduce costs and increase range. Our technology offers just that. The market will gradually open up to these solutions, especially as demand for higher ranges and cheaper batteries continues to increase and shortage of materials becomes more common. Since sulfur is a byproduct, its carbon footprint is unbeatable compared to today’s cathode materials. We are essentially upcycling sulfur into batteries.
Does “theion” consider themselves a pure battery company or is the technology also to be used in other markets, such as space travel or stationary energy storage systems?
We are a battery company and regard our technology as highly versatile and universally applicable. However, we are flexible in how we are going to market our technology. This can be done through pure cell production but also by licensing our technology.
