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GM CEO optimistic on potential for Envia Li-ion batteries with silicon anodes
10 August 2012
The AP reports that GM CEO Dan Akerson told an employee meeting that Li-ion batteries developed by Envia Systems could take a car 100 miles on a single charge within a couple of years, and potentially double that with some luck. Envia Systems is developing large capacity pouch cells based on a novel high-voltage Manganese rich (HCMR) layered-layered Li2MnO3·LiMO2 composite cathode with a Si-carbon anode and proprietary electrolyte. (Earlier post.)
In January 2011, General Motors Ventures LLC invested $7 million in Envia Systems to provide GM’s battery engineering team with access to advanced lithium-ion cathode technology that delivers higher cell energy density and lower cost. In a separate agreement, GM secured the right to use Envia’s advanced cathode material for future GM electrically driven vehicles. (Earlier post.)
In February 2012, Envia announced it had produced Li-ion cells offering an energy density of 400 Wh/kg. (Earlier post.)
“I think we’ve got better than a 50-50 chance,” Akerson said, “to develop a car that will go to 200 miles on a charge,” he said. “That would be a game changer.”
“These little companies come out of nowhere, and they surprise you,” Akerson said in response to a question about GM’s strategy on gas-electric hybrid vehicles. Akerson said the company is looking at hybrids, all-electric cars, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and natural gas vehicles, as well as developing more efficient petroleum-powered engines.
August 10, 2012 in Brief | Permalink | Comments (7) | TrackBack (0)
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GM CEO Dan Akerson, a Carlyle Group alum, has several times made intelligent, supportive EV statements. Is this supported by GM?
Posted by: kelly | August 10, 2012 at 04:57 AM
A 400 Wh/Kg battery pack would be a good first step towards extended range BEVs, specially if the price is reduced by 50% or more.
Posted by: HarveyD | August 10, 2012 at 07:41 AM
"Is this supported by GM?"
Yes, I think the Volt is the number one selling BEV in the world.
Posted by: Herm | August 10, 2012 at 08:45 AM
I think the EV industry needs some good news because for now the sales of Nissan Leaf, Focus electric, Miev are dismal, the numbers are so bad that many car automakers might reconsider their EV policy and just wait instead of jumping in. Honestly I don't think that EV will be more than 2% of sales 10 years from now..
Envia might be a game changer but a new battery technology will take time before car manufacturer put it in their cars.
Posted by: Treehugger | August 10, 2012 at 09:09 AM
The CEO, Dan is too optimistic technically!!! Do you really need a high voltage to increase cell capacity through Li2MnO3·LiMO2 composite cathode and Si anode? There is no benefit up to 4.4 Volt because the capacity is lower than commercial layer oxide and many technical issues must to be solved.
Posted by: JJJ | August 10, 2012 at 10:05 AM
Doubling the cell capacity means half the cells required for a given range, and potentially great cost savings in either EV or PHEV service.
Breakthrough? Maybe.
Posted by: Engineer-Poet | August 12, 2012 at 05:31 PM
Given the low power density of Envia batteries, they are just suitable for BEVs, with large battery pack, so they can develop enough power.
In a smaller battery pack, they'd need to be paired with ultracaps (with two-way inverter) to be able to develop sufficient power for acceleration (in PHEVs).
Posted by: MG | August 13, 2012 at 02:51 PM