Ampcera's solid-state batteries surpass US DoE's fast-charging benchmarks

Tucson-based battery innovator Ampcera recently claimed that its all-solid-state battery (ASSB) technology has achieved a fast-charging milestone of 0 to 80 percent SOC in under 15 minutes at a peak C-rate of 4C. 

The company claims that the advancement demonstrates the fast-charging potential of ASSB – a key requirement for the widespread adoption of electric vehicles. 

Notably, the performance of ASSBs also surpassed the U.S. Department of Energy (DoE)'s ambitious fast-charging benchmark of achieving an 80 percent charge in under 15 minutes, which is considered as "an extreme fast-charging goal for lithium batteries", as opined by United States Advanced Battery Consortium (USABC) and the DoE. 

Ampcera's ASSB technology, which comprises IP-protected sulfide solid-state electrolyte materials, is said to be engineered for extreme fast charging. A high-capacity NMC cathode and a silicon-based anode are used to achieve a high energy density goal of 400 Wh/kg. 

The ASSB is devoid of any liquid or semi-solid electrolyte ensuring the highest levels of battery safety, which is particularly crucial during rapid charging cycles. 

Lab-scale pouch cells exhibited less than 5 percent capacity decay after 300 cycles of repeated fast charging (4C peak C-rate) demonstrating the potential for a long cycle life of greater than 1000 cycles in commercial cells once fully developed, according to the company.

"Ampcera's high-performance solid-state electrolyte materials have propelled ASSB technology beyond the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)'s ambitious fast-charging benchmark of achieving an 80% charge in under 15 minutes," said Sumin Zhu, Co-Founder and CEO of Ampcera Inc.

"Our primary objective is to introduce a commercially viable fast-charging ASSB technology that addresses consumer charge anxiety caused by extended wait times at charging stations", he added.

Ampcera claims to be working on tackling critical challenge of prolonged charging durations of current-generation EVs by advancing plans to develop and commercialize its fast-charging ASSB technology through strategic partnerships with industry leaders.

It is to be noted that the battery company was awarded a $2.1 million grant from the U.S. DoE's Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) as part of the EVs4ALL program last year.