BMW to use California startup Sila Nanotechnologies’ proprietary silicon-based anode battery materials, able to store more energy than conventional materials, in its electric cars by 2023

Briefing

BMW to use California startup Sila Nanotechnologies' proprietary silicon-based anode battery materials, able to store more energy than conventional materials, in its electric cars by 2023

April 20, 2018

Briefing
  • New Battery Materials – BMW to incorporate California battery startup Sila Nanotechnologies' silicon-based anode battery materials in its electric vehicles by 2023
  • Improved Energy Density – Battery materials allow for 10-15% improvement in amount of energy that can be stored in battery cell per given volume, 20% boost compared to current best technology
  • Silicon vs Graphite – Silicon can bond with 25 times more lithium ions than graphite, currently used in most lithium-ion batteries, however is unstable when storing lithium-ions, causing potential electrochemical side effects that can reduce battery performance
  • Breakthrough Silicon Technology – Sila developed method to improve internal structure of silicon battery material, enabling it to withstand volume changes
  • Next Steps – Expand battery’s energy density, speeding up charging times and prolonging total cycle life

Accelerator
Batteries, Transportation and Mobility

Sector
Transportation and Logistics

Organization
Bayerische Motoren Werke (BMW) AG, Sila Nanotechnologies Inc.

Source

Original Publication Date
April 11, 2018

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