E-truck manufacturer Nikola has announced the development of new battery technology it claims could double the range of battery electric vehicles without increasing the size or weight of the battery.
Nikola Corporation says its prototype cell removes binder material and current collectors to make way for more energy storage.
The company says the new battery has a record energy density of 1,100 watt-hours per kg on the material level and 500 watt-hours per kg on the production cell level. It adds that cycling the cells over 2,000 times has shown acceptable end-of-life performance.
A statement by the company read, “Nikola’s new cell technology is environmentally friendly and easy to recycle. While conventional lithium-ion cells contain elements that are toxic and expensive, the new technology will have a positive impact on the earth’s resources, landfills and recycling plants.”
Trevor Milton, CEO, Nikola Motor Company, said, “This is the biggest advancement we have seen in the battery world. We are not talking about small improvements; we are talking about doubling your cell phone battery capacity. We are talking about doubling the range of BEVs and hydrogen-electric vehicles around the world.”
