Solid Power technology combines a high-capacity cathode, a lithium metal anode and a high ionic conductivity solid separator. The battery materials are 100% inorganic and possess no flammable or volatile components.

The batteries thus provide substantially higher energy than conventional lithium-ion cells (2-3X greater) while also enabling lower cost systems due to the potential for eliminating many of the costly safety features typically associated with conventional lithium-ion systems.

For automotive applications Solid Power typically uses an NMC (nickel, manganese, cobalt) cathode material, according to Josh Buettner-Garrett, Solid Power Battery’s CTO. This is the same class of materials going into most Li-ion cells for electric vehicles today. Solid Power also has a higher capacity sulfur-based cathode that stems from its original license with the University of Colorado, but this cathode is still at the R&D stage for mainstream applications, he said.

Since the company’s inception, the Solid Power team has worked to develop and scale a competitive solid-state battery paying special attention to safety, performance, and cost. Collaborating with BMW is further validation that solid-state battery innovations will continue to improve electric vehicles. We’re looking forward to working with BMW on pushing the limits on developments around xEV batteries.

—Doug Campbell, founder and CEO of Solid Power

In September 2017, A123 Systems announced its investment in Solid Power as part of A123’s plan to couple strategic technology investments to its own substantial R&D efforts in order to develop a world-class portfolio of battery technology. (Earlier post.)

In 2015, The Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Solid Power signed an exclusive agreement licensing lithium-sulfur materials for next-generation batteries. Solid Power licensed a portfolio of ORNL patents relating to lithium-sulfur compositions that to enable development of more energy-dense batteries. (Earlier post.)

Solid Power’s solid electrolytes are also based on sulfur and come from the same family of materials that was included under the 2015 ORNL license, Buettner-Garrett said. Most of the electrolytes used today were invented and developed by Solid Power.

Capitalizing on continued market expansion, Solid Power has experienced rapid company growth throughout the first-half of 2017. The battery developer recently moved into a state-of-the-art facility in Louisville, Colorado. The new facility will allow Solid Power to triple its footprint and build out the capabilities necessary to deliver commercial-quality solid-state battery prototypes, from new material synthesis through cell and battery assembly. Solid Power expects to double its executive and innovation team over the next three years.

Resources

• US 20170331148 A1: Lithium all-solid-state battery