Renault Groupʼs electric car and software unit Ampere has signed a joint development agreement with the Spanish battery developer Basquevolt. The companiesʼ goal is to speed up the development and validation of lithium metal batteries for future electric vehicles. The collaboration will focus on pre-A sample prototype requirements. These prototypes are used in the early stages of vehicle development to validate new components from a technical standpoint.
Technology with polymer electrolyte
Basquevolt is developing a lithium metal technology with a polymer electrolyte which is expected to enable higher energy density than lithium-ion batteries with liquid electrolytes, as well as improved thermal stability and faster charging capabilities. The combination of a polymer electrolyte and an advanced anode is said to enable more compact and lightweight battery systems. Furthermore, the combination promises a simpler and more efficient cell manufacturing process.
30 percent less investements
According to Basquevolt, this will enable a reduction in investment per gigawatt-hour of around 30 percent in a conventional gigafactory. Additionally, energy consumption per kilowatt-hour produced is expected to decrease by around 30 percent.
Basis for series production
The partners intend to validate the technologyʼs performance under real automotive conditions. This will establish a foundation for potential mass production. According to the companies, they have been collaborating for more than twelve months.
