In a ground-breaking achievement, SOLiTHOR, a leader in solid-state battery technology, has unveiled lithium solid-state batteries (SSBs) that have successfully completed 1,000 charge-discharge cycles with a remarkable coulombic efficiency of over 99.2%.
This advancement sets a new milestone in the energy storage industry, particularly for applications in aviation and maritime sectors.
At the forefront of this innovation is SOLiTHOR’s proprietary Gen-1 Solid Electrolyte, combined with thin lithium metal and high-loading NMC cathodes.
This unique composition enables superior energy densities of 384 Wh/kg and 1,026 Wh/l at the stack level.
The results are pivotal for the aviation and maritime industries, where lighter, safer, and more potent batteries are required to power aircraft and ships, especially during critical phases like take-off and landing.
A key aspect of these breakthroughs is the cyclability of the batteries, a measure of how many times they can undergo full charge and discharge cycles while maintaining performance.
SOLiTHOR’s results far exceed the accepted commercial target and highlight their system’s durability, which is crucial for electric transportation.
Dr. Fanny Bardé, SOLiTHOR’s CTO, emphasized the significance of these results.
“Decades of research have strived to achieve such cyclability in thin lithium metal battery technologies,” she stated.
“Our progress demonstrates both durability and compatibility in a solid-state configuration, thanks to our team’s innovative capabilities.”
These new-generation batteries not only deliver high energy density but also promise enhanced long-term cycling stability compared to existing solutions.
This is essential for aviation applications where both high power and extensive energy storage capacity are mandatory.
Additionally, the technology demonstrates compatibility with today’s Li-ion battery components, facilitating the swift transition to these advanced batteries using existing production infrastructures.
As a step toward large-scale commercialization, SOLiTHOR has developed 3Ah pouch cell prototypes, which are undergoing rigorous internal performance and safety tests.
Plans are underway to move these prototypes to external validation stages with aviation and maritime partners, enhancing the readiness for mass production and widespread adoption.
Huw Hampson-Jones, CEO of SOLiTHOR, highlighted the company’s commitment to partnerships with both aviation and maritime manufacturers to meet high-energy demands for extended range transportation.
He asserted, “Our achievements reflect our capability, and our objective is to align with battery manufacturers to mass-produce these cells for our aviation and maritime clients.”
This advancement is a beacon of progress in green technologies, aiding in the electrification journey of industries that have traditionally relied on fossil fuels.
SOLiTHOR has emerged as a leader in the transition to solid-state battery technology, setting new standards and paving the way for future advancements in electric transportation.