Ampcera Inc. Achieves Major Milestone in Fast-Charging Solid-State Battery Technology
Ampcera Inc., a pioneer in solid-state electrolyte manufacturing and next-generation solid-state battery development, has made a significant breakthrough in its all-solid-state battery (ASSB) technology. The company has achieved a fast-charging milestone of 0 to 80% state of charge (SOC) in under 15 minutes at a peak C-rate of 4C. This achievement demonstrates the potential for fast-charging electric vehicle (EV) batteries, a key requirement for widespread adoption.
Ampcera's ASSB technology is engineered for extreme fast charging and comprises IP-protected sulfide solid-state electrolyte materials. The company utilizes a high-capacity NMC cathode and a silicon-based anode to achieve a high energy density goal of 400 Wh/kg. The ASSB is unique in that it does not contain 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% capacity decay after 300 cycles of repeated fast charging, demonstrating the potential for a long cycle life of over 1000 cycles in commercial cells once fully developed.
According to Sumin Zhu, Co-Founder and CEO of Ampcera Inc., "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. 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."
Long wait times at public charging stations, especially in urban areas with limited at-home charging options, have become a significant concern for EV owners and potential buyers, hampering widespread adoption. Ampcera is dedicated to tackling this critical challenge and is advancing plans to develop and commercialize its fast-charging ASSB technology through strategic partnerships with industry leaders.
Last year, Ampcera received a $2.1 million grant from the U.S. DOE's Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) as part of the EVs4ALL program. This grant highlights Ampcera's commitment to advancing the development and commercialization of all-climate, fast-charging ASSB technology, in collaboration with key industry partners, including a major U.S. automaker. Achieving an 80% charge in 15 minutes or less is considered an extreme fast-charging goal for lithium batteries, as outlined by both the United States Advanced Battery Consortium (USABC) and the U.S. DOE.
Ampcera Inc. is a U.S.-based innovator and global leader in the development and commercialization of solid-state electrolyte materials and scalable manufacturing processes for next-generation solid-state batteries. With over 25 U.S. and international patents and patent applications, Ampcera continues to lead the charge toward a sustainable energy future.
Analyst comment
As an analyst, I would evaluate this news as positive for the market. Ampcera Inc. has achieved a fast-charging milestone for its all-solid-state battery (ASSB) technology, which is a key requirement for the widespread adoption of electric vehicles. The technology has demonstrated the potential for long cycle life and high energy density, addressing consumer charge anxiety. Ampcera’s commitment to develop and commercialize its technology through strategic partnerships also shows promise. This advancement could contribute to the growth of the EV market.
