The competitively bid contract award is co-funded by the US Department of Energy (DOE) and includes a 51% Maxwell cost-share.

RFPI for electrolytes. Separately, USABC recently issued a request for proposal information (RFPI) for the development of advanced high-performance electrolytes for lithium-ion batteries used in vehicle applications.

The RFPI is aimed at developers having electrolyte technologies that have the capability of meeting or approaching USABC long-term criteria when employed in an appropriate battery cell. The proposed technology is expected to provide a significant improvement over existing electrolytes in one or more of the following areas:

1. selling price;
2. low-temperature (-30°C) conductivity;
3. high-voltage stability;
4. vapor pressure at 30°C;
5. flashpoint; and/or
6. components purity.

Applicants also must have an established relationship with a cell fabricator partner with a proven track record. A 50% minimum cost share is required.

All developers submitting viable proposals will be required to have demonstration hardware and make test results available. Applicants also will be required to submit a detailed schedule, which indicates when full-scale availability would occur, as well as the developer’s commercialization plans. The submission deadline is Monday, 1 December.

Resources

• “Development of Advanced High- Performance Electrolytes for Lithium-Ion Batteries Used in Vehicle Applications”