StoreDot claims Silicon Batteries with fast-charging can make EVs more accessible

Israeli firm StoreDot has said that its advanced silicon batteries will go into manufacturing very soon, thus enabling car makers to design and produce cheaper, lighter and more sustainable EVs. With its XFC technology, OEMs will be able to optimize a vehicle's weight and cost, rather than pushing for ever greater range and battery size, according to the company.

It is said that StoreDot is on track to deliver its '100in5' silicon-dominant extreme fast charging batteries to EV OEMs by next year. This transformative technology will deliver 100 miles, or 160 km of range in just five minutes of charge, it claims.

The technology has reached sufficient charging and discharging cycles that it will enable vehicle manufacturers to include a smaller battery pack, StoreDot adds. Smaller packs with extreme fast charging (XFC) technology translate into improved EV specifications including better car efficiency, increased utilization of regenerative braking, reduced carbon footprint and lower costs, further resulting in affordable and lighter EVs to enhance higher adoption and transition.

Dr Doron Myersdorf, CEO of StoreDot, commented, "Up until recently OEMs were increasing the size of battery packs in their EVs because a proportion of drivers were transitioning from gas to electric for the first time with the known 'range anxiety' in their minds. Those drivers, and anyone who is an EV advocate now realize that range anxiety is no longer the most pressing issue - and won't even be an issue at all once public charging infrastructure around the world is properly in place".

"The two remaining barriers to EV ownership are charging anxiety and cost, and StoreDot's XFC solution was designed to assist with both. Radically reduced charging times will allow automotive manufacturers to rethink how they approach battery size and range. When charging times are no longer an issue, it makes a lot more sense to fit smaller battery packs. The cost savings could transform the accessibility of EVs and sustainability of batteries, with better car efficiency, fewer raw materials needed and less recycling at the end of their in-vehicle life", he explained.

The company claims that downsizing from an average premium vehicle requiring an 80kWh to a 50kWh battery pack could save approximately 200kg from the EV's weight (the equivalent weight of 3-4 people) and importantly, could reduce the build cost of the car by $4,500, depending on metal cost fluctuations and energy density improvements.

The environmental impact of such a design change will be highly significant too as it will lower amount of raw materials used in each vehicle, reducing its EV carbon footprint throughout its lifecycle, says StoreDot. XFC in smaller packs also means efficient regenerative braking as it can accommodate the corresponding recuperated high currents, the company notes.

It is to be noted that StoreDot's XFC battery cells are now being tested by over 15 global automotive manufacturers, while the company continues to develop its manufacturing partnerships on a global scale.