EAS, KIT & Edgewave join forces on Li-Ion cells
EAS Batteries, the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) and EdgeWave have joined forces to significantly improve the performance of lithium-ion round cells. The project will run for three years and ends on 31 January 2026.
The three research partners are transferring concepts of laser structuring of electrodes to large-format wound cells for the first time and applying them to lithium iron phosphate active materials (LFP). Laser-structured LFP cathodes promise higher energy density, shorter charging times and longer round cell life, according to the researchers: “The so-called ion highways can prospectively reduce the charging times of large-format LFP round cells to half or even a third. At the same time, thicker electrodes can be wound due to the higher mechanical flexibility,” the organizers wrote.
The ‘High-E-Life’ research project coordinated by EAS Batteries has a total volume of 2.1 million euros and is funded with 1.3 million euros on behalf of the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF).
EAS Batteries was purchased by Britishvolt only last year, which intended to use the German company’s proprietary 4690 format battery cells, before the British cell manufacturer filed for insolvency at the beginning of the year. While the future remains somewhat uncertain for Britishvolt, which struggled to ramp up production of their batteries, it appears that the company has found a buyer with the Australian Recharge. While the deal isn’t final yet, Recharger founder David Collard seemed quite confident about the plans to take over Britishvolt’s factory: “We’re thrilled to be progressing with our proposed bid for Britishvolt and can’t wait to get started making a reality of our plans to build the UK’s first gigafactory.”
EAS Batteries has more capacities than just conventional electric vehicle batteries, as the company presented a battery solution for hybrid diesel or fuel cell ships in 2020. The system is reportedly quite flexible :”This is like Lego for adults,” said EAS sales manager Dr Frank Diehl. “With the EASy-Marine-Modules, it is possible to reproduce steps, so that even sloping walls no longer present a space problem”.
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