Researchers have spent decades working to advance the capabilities of lithium-ion batteries, but those gains usually only come a few percentage points at a time. So how did Sila Nanotechnologies make such a big leap?
BMW plans to incorporate Sila’s silicon anode technology in a plug-in electric vehicle by 2023, says a company spokesman. BMW expects an increase of 10% to 15% in battery pack capacity in a single leap. While this is the same technology destined for mobile electronics, the higher volumes and higher safety demands of the auto industry means slower implementation there. In 2017, BMW announced it would invest 200 million euros in its own battery research center.
On Tuesday, the company announced it’s teaming up with Bay Area-based Sila Nanotechnologies (known as Sila Nano), and promised electric vehicle (EV) battery improvements within five years. Sila Nano wants to improve rechargeable lithium-ion batteries by using silicon instead of graphite. The company and BMW want to incorporate the technology into EVs by 2023.
ALAMEDA, CA, March 19, 2018– Sila Nanotechnologies (“Sila Nano”), developing and manufacturing materials that set a new standard for batteries, today announced a partnership with the BMW Group. The BMW Group has long been committed to raising the world’s expectations of electrified transport through innovation. This is reflected in a growing lineup of advanced electrified […]
