Bosch highlighting solid-state Li-ion cells; double current energy density, production-ready in 5 years
15 September 2015
At the Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA), Bosch is highlighting its solid-state Li-ion battery technology, saying that the technology for electric cars could be production-ready in as little as five years. The acquisition of the US start-up Seeo Inc. (earlier post) will help make this possible, Bosch said. In addition to its own development in the area of battery technology, Bosch now has crucial know-how in innovative solid-state cells for lithium batteries as well as exclusive patents.
With the new solid-state cells, Bosch sees the potential to more than double energy density by 2020, and at the same time reduce the costs considerably further. A comparable electric car that has a driving range today of 150 kilometers (93 miles) would be able to travel more than 300 kilometers (186 miles) without recharging—and at a lower cost.
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| One of the reasons energy capacity is limited in current LIBs is because the anode consists to a large degree of graphite. Using solid-state technology, Bosch can manufacture the anode out of lithium metal, which considerably increases storage capacity. In addition, the new cells function without ionic liquid, which means they are not flammable. Click to enlarge. |
Bosch is using its knowledge and considerable financial resources to achieve a breakthrough for electromobility. Solid-state cells could be a breakthrough technology. Disruptive start-up technology is meeting the broad systems knowledge and financial resources of a multinational company.
—Dr. Volkmar Denner, the chairman of the board of management of Robert Bosch GmbH
So far, Bosch has realized 30 production projects related to electromobility. At the same time, engineers are working on further refining the technology, and in doing so, making electromobility a more practical proposition.
The company forecasts that by 2025, roughly 15% of all new cars built worldwide to have at least a hybrid powertrain. In Europe, more than a third of all new cars will be electrically powered—the majority as plug-in hybrids. To this end, in 2014 Bosch joined GS Yuasa and Mitsubishi Corporation in establishing the joint venture Lithium Energy and Power GmbH & Co. KG, the objective of which is to develop a more powerful generation of lithium-ion batteries.
Bosch sad that Seeo’s technology complements the work done thus far with Bosch’s Japanese partners. The result will be a combination of start-up technology with Bosch’s systems and technology know-how, GS Yuasa’s cell competence, and Mitsubishi Corporation’s broad industrial base.
Due to its acquisition of Seeo Inc., Bosch now possesses the first sample cells which have the potential to meet the high standards of the automotive industry where durability and safety are concerned.
Doubling batteries energy density in the next five years while lowering their cost by (xx%) are good news for all future HEVs, PHEVs an BEVs.
Those improved batteries may make extended range affordable BEVs a reality by 2020/2022 or so?
Wonder why Toyota (who has been trying for many years) has not managed to do it?) Is a surprise announcement coming?
Posted by: HarveyD | 15 September 2015 at 01:54 PM
Doubling battery density in 5 years would put Bosch behind in battery development; DOE's JCESR project is set to beat that mark within three years. Bosch and the legacy car makers are thinking in ICE terms and will lag behind those who can think about EVs as innovative computers with wheels. Their greatest worry will be Tesla who will lead battery development with their gigafactory and the market it will develop. The only thing Bosch has at this point is solid state battery IP.
Posted by: Lad | 15 September 2015 at 02:57 PM
Doubling energy density is great, but that shouldn't translate to double the range for every EV. Most people drive less than 40 miles per day, so why not use the improvement in energy density to save hundreds of pounds in the car's weight (thus improving efficiency, performance, and handling), save lots of money, and reduce the battery volume (more room for people and their stuff)?
Posted by: ChrisL | 15 September 2015 at 03:31 PM
"Double the energy content" probably 400Wh/kg, there may be many SSB by 2020 that meet or exceed this.
"75% smaller" This is more impressive, probably somewhere north of 1500 Wh/l. This is probably what they are looking for if they want to go after the hybrid/plug-in hybrid market due to space constraints. A 5 liter battery would store more than enough energy to raise MPG to comply with tighter fuel economy standards.
Posted by: Anthony F | 15 September 2015 at 03:35 PM
Smaller, cheaper, lighter batteries with twice the energy density would be a major step towards affordable extended range BEVs. More would be better yet but 5 -5 -? batteries may have to wait a few more years.
If that technology can be mass produced by 2020/2021, many more potential vehicle buyers would be able to drive (limited) extended range BEVs and start to accelerate the progressive replacement of ICEVs.
The planet needs such improved batteries soonest.
Posted by: HarveyD | 15 September 2015 at 05:52 PM
Bosch must be making bad jokes. Just have a look here.
http://www.prietobattery.com/
Posted by: yoatmon | 16 September 2015 at 02:13 AM
May I quote from prietobattery web site:-
'Today, we are on the threshold of a major breakthrough. As a result of years of research, experimentation, and perseverance, we believe the Prieto Battery will be commercialized within the next several years.'
Several years meaning at least 5 years.
Laszlo
Posted by: laszlo | 16 September 2015 at 03:19 AM
BS!
Without stating the value for energy density today as a starting point or the value for energy density of their own batteries in 5 years their goal of doubling energy density is VERY soft.
Posted by: Ad Van der Meer | 16 September 2015 at 06:20 AM
In general a smaller manufactured part should decrease cost, but not substantially. The battery is denser and may require as much of the most expensive component lithium. Weight savings may not be substantial, given the battery has higher density. Smaller is good nonetheless.
As I understand the auto market and cost constraints required to give customer maximum value; the mild hybrid will become standard equipment. That combination very efficient and cost effective. The electronic control will put the ICE at max efficiency and utilize battery power upon most valuable conditions. Both technologies are exploited to produce max benefit for the dollar without burdensome refueling requirements. The car is slated to be more efficient than grid power for majority of country and being so the best environmental solution. Double that benefit if powering up on high blend ethanol fuel. Probably a plug in option for those truly motivated. This would be an adaptation to mild hybrid, maybe with more batteries. Bosch Gen I is in production and Gen II already for production. Gen II has short range for electric only upon traffic jams and such. The technology powers A.C. with engine off, start stop modes easier to accommodate. Electric turbo boost and turbo generation of power two upcoming advances.
Posted by: Trees | 16 September 2015 at 10:16 AM