Amprius Technologies announced in an extensive report that its silicon anode lithium-ion battery cells (Si-Nanowire platform) have achieved extraordinary fast-charging capability. By extraordinary I mean 0-80% (SOC) in just 6 minutes (10C current).
Mobile Power Solutions has tested and confirmed the remarkable charging rate for three 2.75 Ah sample cells. And to be precise, the quick charge also took a pinch under 6 minutes.
Quick charge faster than ever
Some additional data: 0-70% quick charge requires less than 5 minutes, that from 0 to 90% is just over 8 minutes. From then on, as you can see in the diagram, you reach 100% after 25-27 minutes (the last 10%, alone, takes over 17 minutes).
Will we see them on cars?
It's a question that arises spontaneously when talking about fast-charging batteries. They would serve the auto industry like bread. Amprius, however, notes that a Fortune 100 company is sampling this technology. And he doesn't deny that it could actually be a car company.
Gossip: Amprius Technologies' corporate headquarters are located in Fremont, California, near Tesla's pilot battery plant. I didn't tell you anything.
Between us, these 2,75 Ah cells are about an order of magnitude too small for electric cars, but it's probably just a matter of time to scale them up.
Looking for a "problem" you always find it, as you know. According to the press release, the energy density of the cells is astonishing: 370 Wh/kg. However, there is no mention of longevity and life cycle. Take a look too, maybe I missed the data?
“The Amprius Extreme Fast Charge system is made possible by the properties of the proprietary Si-NanowireTM anode, which is much thinner and lighter than conventional graphite anodes and with much higher conductivity. Extreme Fast Charge is available on battery cells currently in commercial production (P/N NW445060-2.6P-007) and used in a variety of products, including energy-intensive drone applications. In addition to an unprecedented fast charging rate, the battery cell has an exceptional specific energy of 370 Wh/kg and supports applications requiring very high sustained power use cases.”
Jon Bornstein, Chief Operating Officer of Amprius Technologies said:
If that's true, it's good
The desire to reduce charging time is not limited to the fast-growing electric vehicle industry, but also applies to other e-mobility markets, such as micromobility and aviation. Fast charging can revolutionize all current and future real applications in many fields.
Let's wait and see.
