A ceramic battery maker has introduced a new type of battery that charges incredibly fast. This solid-state battery can go from 5 percent to 60 percent charged in just five minutes. In that time, it could power an electric vehicle (EV) by up to about 186 miles.
The company, ProLogium, showcased this battery at the Paris Motor Show on October 14, 2024 and explained that the battery uses a special silicon material, making it more efficient and powerful than regular EV batteries.
Tests in Germany confirmed its performance. The battery has a capacity of 749 Watts per liter (Wh/L) volumetric (power by volume) and 321 Watts per kilogram (Wh/kg) gravimetric (power by weight). For comparison, most current batteries used in EVs provide much less energy, often below 200 watts per kilogram. This makes the new battery a major improvement over older technologies.
The company expects its silicon anode batteries to become even more powerful by the end of 2024, increasing their energy capacity by up to 77 percent. The company also highlighted that its five-minute charge for a 186-mile range is far quicker than the industry standard, which typically takes 30 minutes to achieve the same distance.
ProLogium is at the Paris Motor Show 2024, Booth 4A112 (Hall 4)!
— ProLogium Technology 輝能科技 (@ProLogium) October 14, 2024
With higher energy density, these batteries can store more power in smaller sizes. This innovation could change how vehicles are designed. Manufacturers might use smaller batteries to create more space inside hybrid cars, making them roomier.
Alternatively, they could stick to the same battery size but offer vehicles with much longer driving ranges. Even small cars could travel far greater distances on a single charge.
ProLogium’s new battery design is modular, making it easier to maintain and repair. If a single battery cell or a small group of cells gets damaged, there’s no need to replace the entire battery. This feature could significantly lower repair costs, according to company representatives.
The company, founded in 2006, has been supplying parts and samples for electric vehicles but is now moving toward large-scale production of its solid-state batteries and has already provided about 8,000 sample cells to global automakers for testing and development. To scale production, ProLogium is partnering with Germany’s FEV Group, an engineering leader in the automotive industry.
“Over the past two years, our collaboration has resulted in customized battery packs and concept designs that not only meet, but exceed regulatory standards and market demands,” said Thomas Hülshorst, global vice president of electric powertrain at FEV, in a statement.
“By combining ProLogium’s visionary technology with FEV’s engineering strengths, we are paving the way for the future of sustainable mobility,” Hülshorst added.
