Ballast Energy, Inc. — Department of Energy SBIR Phase I: 17a

Description

The high cost of lithium-ion batteries is one of the major barriers to wider adoption of battery electric vehicles BEV). Lithium-ion cells add well over $5,000 to the cost of a BEV and erode the price- competitiveness of this zero emission alternative to gasoline powered vehicles. Ballast Energy is applying hierarchical pore structures in lithium-ion electrodes to reduce materials costs and manufacturing overhead production of lithium-ion cells. Enhanced lithium ion mass transport kinetics across the cathode and anode allow for higher active material loadings on the electrodes, while maintaining efficient power delivery from the battery cell. Materials savings are realized with reduced current collector foil and separator requirements and increased throughput in the production process results in lower manufacturing overheads. This work will investigate the feasibility of meeting the demanding energy and power density targets for BEV cells with Ballast Energys cost reduction technology. Successful development of this technology will benefit the rapidly growing market for electric vehicles. Lower cost lithium-ion cells will benefit the ecosystem of cell manufacturers, automotive manufacturers, and suppliers of electric drive components as overall adoption rates for BEVs rise. Moving toward vehicle electrification provides long term societal benefits in reducing greenhouse gas emissions from human activity.