graphite

Transportation

Ionobell’s Turns to Recycled Silicon to Increase Electric Vehicle Range

Sila, Group14, Envoix, and Amprius are all trying to commercialize their silicon anode technology, hoping to cash in on consumers’ desire for ever more EV range. Ionobell, a seed stage startup, is hoping to be at the top of that list, claiming its silicon material will be cheaper than the established competition. Both established companies impregnate porous graphite structures with silicon; Sila also adds a coating to the particles. Ionobell’s silicon supply comes from a waste material, Neivert said, which helps keep costs down. Like other battery materials companies, Ionobell faces a challenging road ahead.

Kira Kim
March 26, 2024

Startups

Inexpensive LFP Batteries with Uncompromised Range: A Breakthrough from a Battery Startup

Coreshell, a battery materials startup, revealed a breakthrough this week that could lower the cost of lithium-ion batteries. Forecasts for cheaper EVs are counting on a steady stream of technological improvements, including better battery materials. Coreshell’s first product will be a silicon anode paired with a lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) cathode. Coreshell predicts that its silicon anodes might even give LFP an edge over traditional NMC cells with graphite anodes. Granted, their silicon anode materials will cost more, but they’ll have the benefit of scale and experience to help bring costs down.