GM bets silicon anode will increase battery range, lower costs
General Motors on Thursday announced a partnership with startup OneD Battery Sciences, related to the potential development of a more efficient chemistry for EV battery cells.
OneD is developing silicon anode cell chemistry that could increase the energy density of a battery, creating more range at a lower cost, GM said in a press release. The automaker along with Volta Energy Technologies also participated in OneD’s Series C funding round, which recently ended at $25 million.
GM Ultium battery – cell stacking
The technology GM is interested in involves adding more silicon to the battery’s anodes by fusing nanowires of the material with graphite. According to GM, silicon can store 10 times more energy than graphite, opening the door to a potential increase in energy density.
This is one of the technologies discovered in battery renewal center GM announced last year. If it proves commercially viable, it could be included in future versions of GM’s Ultium battery cells.
So far, GM has confirmed three joint venture battery factories in Michigan, Ohio and Tennessee under the Ultium Cells LLC program with battery manufacturer LG Chem. Ultium Cells LLC is also said to be in line to get one Advanced Technology Vehicle Manufacturing (ATVM) federal loan—Though nothing has been announced yet.
Rendering of General Motors Ultium Cells Lansing battery factory as planned
GM also developed lithium metal cells as a way to bring its current large pocket cell format ahead of second-generation Ultium cells, allowing vehicles up to 600 miles Future.
GM isn’t the only one looking to silicon-anode technology. Several automakers are considering cells: StoreDot is developing capable cells Charge 100 miles in five minutesand Mercedes-Benz locked in cells from Sila for the upcoming EQG, a electric version of the G-Class terrain vehicles.