Battery Development

DEKRA has begun construction of a battery test center at Lausitzring where systems for electric vehicles and other applications are to be tested from mid-2025.

South Korean company SK On has announced that it has co-developed a polymer electrolyte for lithium metal batteries that can be operated at room temperature.

German battery company “theion” has opened a technology center in the Berlin Adlershof Science and Technology Park. The facility will be used to further develop the companyʼs sulfur crystal batteries.

Applied safety science specialist UL Solutions Inc. has acquired BatterieIngenieure GmbH from Aachen, Germany, to respond to the increasing demand for battery performance and safety testing.

Capgemini Engineering and PEM of RWTH Aachen University have published an in-depth analysis on the “Acceleration of Battery Cell Development”.

Under the leadership of Varta AG, the research project ENTISE, in collaboration with a consortium of 15 companies and universities, is dedicated to developing innovative cell chemistry for sodium-ion batteries. The three-year project, which begins on June 1st, aims to transfer this cell chemistry into functional formats. ENTISE stands for “Development of Sodium Ion Technology for Industrially Scalable Energy Storage.” The German Federal Ministry of Education and Research supports the project with around 7.5 million euros in funding. A vital component of the project is the production of sufficient quantities of the necessary materials to build robust laboratory samples and prototypes in round-cell design. In the final phase, scaling up and transferring to the pre-industrial sector (piloting) will produce a small series of round cells that enable a robust assessment of properties in practical scenarios. Sodium offers advantages as a raw material regarding accessibility, cost, safety, and recyclability. The challenge lies in transferring this technology into industrially viable and scalable cells, with ENTISE addressing this challenge. “This project represents a milestone in developing sustainable sodium-ion batteries for the German battery community,” says Rainer Hald, CTO of Varta AG. It underscores the need for further innovative and efficient storage technologies alongside the established lithium-ion technology to advance the future of decentralized energy storage and utilization.” Source: https://www.varta-ag.com/de/ueber-varta/aktuelles/details/varta-initiiert-und-koordiniert-neues-projekt-fuer-die-energiespeicherung-der-naechsten-generation

CATL aims to produce solid-state batteries in small quantities by 2027. The technologyʼs and productionʼs current maturity level is at 4 on a scale of 1 to 9.

LABCO, a renowned German testing laboratory accredited to DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025 standards, specializes in assessing the performance of electric vehicle components. With a track record spanning over two decades, LABCO has built a reputation as a trusted partner for leading automotive brands worldwide, dedicated to advancing innovation, reliability, and, above all, safety in product development. Continuing this tradition, the LABCO Battery Test Centre (BTC) uses state-of-the-art testing procedures to determine whether battery technologies meet the highest safety, durability, and performance standards. Opened in 2022, the BTC facility is equipped to handle battery packs of up to 2.3 m x 2.3 m in size and weighing up to 2000 kg, allowing for the rigorous testing of even the most robust batteries. LABCO BTC sets new benchmarks in performance testing by simulating the entire lifespan of battery cells, modules, and packs. The center ensures comprehensive evaluation with test capabilities extending to 1200 V, 1200 A, and 1100 kW. Additionally, its two electrodynamic vibration test systems, boasting a maximum sine force of 300 kN and a maximum shock force of 900 kN, offer valuable insights into battery behavior under diverse thermal environmental conditions, spanning temperatures from -45 °C to 150 °C. Addressing the impact of environmental factors on battery systems, the facility provides climatic and temperature cabinets ranging from 0.35 m³ to 11.5 m³ in test space, accommodating a wide array of environmental conditions for thorough evaluation.

The BMW Group and Rimac Technology, based near Zagreb, Croatia, have officially announced a long-term partnership. The aim of this collaboration is the joint development and production of innovative solutions in the field of high-voltage battery technology for selected battery-electric vehicles. The respective strengths and competencies of the two companies are intended to complement each other. The electrification strategy of the BMW Group aims to further expand its position in the premium electric mobility sector. Rimac Technology is a renowned Tier-1 supplier specializing in electrification in the automotive sector. Their portfolio includes high-voltage batteries, electric axles, as well as electronics and software solutions. These products are internally developed, designed, and manufactured to provide advanced technology with a high degree of customization. With the opening of the Rimac Campus, Rimac Technology aims to kick off large-volume automotive projects. The partners will later announce further details regarding the form, scope, and content of this strategic collaboration. Source: https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/global/article/detail/T0440947EN/bmw-group-and-rimac-technology-agree-long-term-partnership

Ferrari is intensifying its focus on battery cell knowledge, recognizing its critical role in the transition towards electrified vehicles. CEO Benedetto Vigna stated on Monday that while prioritizing battery technology, the company does not intend to embark on in-house cell production. Since 2019, the Italian luxury sports car manufacturer has been marketing hybrid electric cars and has announced its first fully electric vehicle expected by the end of next year. With sales nearing 14,000 cars last year, Ferrari may lack the scale necessary for profitable internal cell production. “At the inauguration of a battery cell research center, in collaboration with the University of Bologna and chipmaker NXP Semiconductors, Vigna emphasized, ‘We aim to dissect and comprehend the inner workings of cells.’”During a presentation, Vigna reiterated, “Production will invariably remain with external manufacturers, leveraging the insights we aim to gain from this research center.” “We cannot afford to regard cells as black boxes,” he added.The E-Cells Lab, focused on electrochemistry, aims to bolster Ferrari’s long-term understanding of battery cells sourced from external suppliers. “We anticipate a rising demand for cells and the necessity to comprehend their chemistry,” emphasized Vigna. Initially concentrating on lithium-based liquid cells, the E-Cells Lab remains open to exploring novel chemical processes and technologies. However, Vigna expressed reservations regarding solid-state batteries as a viable option for now. Source: https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/ferrari-steps-up-battery-know-how-though-no-plans-make-them-2024-04-08/