British battery developer Nyobolt has made a significant stride in the battery industry with its new ultra-fast-charging batteries. These batteries can charge from 10% to 80% in less than 5 minutes, a feat that was previously considered unattainable.
Nyobolt’s battery breakthrough
According to the press release, Cambridge-based battery startup Nyobolt successfully developed a new 35kWh li-ion battery that supports charging from 10%-80% in just 4 minutes and 37 seconds in its inaugural live demonstration last week.
The company showcased the battery technology through a working electric vehicle prototype.
It is indeed a major innovation, considering that most electric vehicles today take 20 minutes or so to hit 80% using a fast charger, such as a Tesla Supercharger.
In addition, it is nearly close to the two minutes internal combustion engine-powered vehicles take to replenish their gas.
“Our extensive research here in the UK and US has unlocked a novel battery technology that is ready and scalable right now. We are enabling the electrification of new products and services currently considered inviable or impossible.”
Nyobolt Co-founder and CEO Sai Shivareddy
Innovative design cuts charging times dramatically
Nyobolt’s battery technology represents a decade-long research. Per the company, University of Cambridge battery scientist Clare Grey and Cambridge-educated Shivareddy led the project.
The battery’s innovative design is apparently the key to unlocking its super-fast charging capability without compromising its longevity. It also generates less heat, avoiding fire and explosion risks. According to Nyobolt, its heat generation only reaches 140 degrees Fahrenheit during a fast charge or a “performance drive.” It also maintained a constant current of 500 amps during the first four minutes of the demo.
The researchers also utilized materials, including carbon and metal oxide, that support a faster transfer of electrons in developing the anodes. The anodes also sport a low-impedance design and integrated power electronics.
Moreover, the company asserted that its 24.5-amp-hour cells have successfully undergone over 4,000 full Depth of Discharge (DoD) cycles. It equates to more than 600,000 miles in the case of the lightweight two-door Nyobolt EV prototype. The test also showed that the innovative cells managed to retain more than 80% of their capacity after these fast-charging cycles.
Potential customers
Nyobolt is now in discussions with eight electric automakers about selling its battery technology.
The 35 kWh li-ion battery is undoubtedly way smaller than the 85 kWh in a more typical American electric car. Nonetheless, the battery tech can be applied to larger battery packs in the near future.
Electric vehicles’ current slow charging speeds remain a major challenge that impedes wider adoption. This makes long trips difficult and inconvenient to own an EV, especially if there is no available home charger. However, Nyobolt’s new technology could be a game-changer. Experts believe it would benefit companies with electric vehicle fleets and people who rely on EVs for work.
Nyobolt is also on track to launch its fast-charging battery technology in “robotics with other applications such as heavy-duty commercial vehicles” this year.
