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California-based Amprius Technologies has unveiled a revolutionary electric vehicle (EV) battery that can reach a 90% charge in just 15 minutes. The breakthrough technology is based on silicon anode cells, a significant advancement over traditional graphite anodes in lithium-ion batteries. This development could drastically reduce charging times, alleviating one of the main concerns associated with electric vehicles—long charging times.
These cells boast an impressive high specific energy of 360 Wh/kg and a power density of 1,200 W/kg, which could translate into much higher driving ranges than current EV batteries. Amprius’s A cells can reach an 80% state of charge in under six minutes and a full 90% charge in just 15 minutes. The company has shipped its A-sample cells to the United States Advanced Battery Consortium LLC (USABC), a collaborative initiative between car manufacturers aimed at improving EV battery technology, as Amprius’ benchmarks have surpassed the USABC’s goal of achieving 80% charge in 15 minutes. The company is also working towards increasing the battery’s lifespan, targeting 1,000 charging cycles, which would provide EV owners with long-lasting, efficient power storage.
One of the most notable features of the Amprius battery is its safety and performance in extreme temperatures. The battery operates in a broad temperature range, from as low as -30°C to as high as 55°C, and has passed rigorous safety tests, including the nail penetration test, demonstrating its durability and robustness.
Amprius’s innovative approach to battery technology replaces the conventional graphite anode with a silicon anode in a unique nanowire configuration. This design allows for greater energy storage and faster electron flow, enabling rapid charging without sacrificing battery life.
The company’s venture into the EV market follows a $3 million award from USABC, which has supported its research and development efforts. With an existing 500 MWh of contract manufacturing capacity, Amprius is well-positioned to meet growing demand as the EV market continues to expand.
As EV manufacturers aim to match the fueling times of gasoline-powered vehicles, Amprius’s advancements could be a game-changer for the industry, helping to accelerate the adoption of electric mobility.
