EVE, which is listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange, is one of the top tier suppliers of EV and electricity storage system (ESS) batteries in China. The scope of the new framework agreement includes scale-up activities of StoreDot’s XFC technology, followed by the production of engineering samples targeted at showcasing the technology to EV clients. The framework agreement also covers the intention to set up a joint venture for mass production.
The new deal builds on the existing framework agreement signed by StoreDot and EVE Energy in 2018 to collaborate on a small form factor of StoreDot’s XFC technology. In 2019, this XFC battery was used to demonstrate the world’s first full live charge of a two-wheeled EV in just 5 minutes (see video). In January 2021, another major milestone was reached when StoreDot released the first engineering samples of the small form factor produced at EVE Energy’s facility in China.
Myersdorf continues, “Our silicon-dominant anode battery in large form factor represents the next crucial stage of our journey by bringing the charging speed, cost and range of XFC batteries in-line with the goals of the EV industry. These capabilities will be demonstrated later this year via our EV samples produced with EVE Energy.”
Dr. Liu Jincheng, EVE’s Chairman of the Board, says, “The potential of the XFC battery is tremendous and we look forward to continuing to work together to make this technology a commercial reality.”
StoreDot’s XFC FlashBattery technology aims to take EV charging times from hours to minutes. This is achieved primarily by replacing graphite in the cell’s anode with metalloid nano-particles, such as silicon, to overcome issues in safety, cycle life and cell swelling during the charging process.
But will compatible vehicles and charging infrastructure be feasible? Here’s my very rough calculation: a 5-minute full recharge of a 100-kWh battery would demand 1.2 megawatts of charging capacity. That’s going to be some meaty charger. Moreover even upping the charger voltage to 1,000V you’ll be drawing 1,200A, so the charger cables are going to need a pair of conductors of (say) 4 square centimetres cross section. And cars would need to be engineered with DC charging circuits to match.
I put these points to StoreDot in 2019 and they pointed me to Chargepoint’s website which talks about “up to 500 kW” Express Plus charging using the CCS Type 2 connector, although as far as I know CCS2 goes nowhere near that rating yet and when those kinds of powers are achieved they are going to need thousand-volt water-cooled charging cables with thermal sensing on the plug because of the risk of overheated contacts.