A British start-up, Nyobolt, has unveiled a new lithium-ion battery for electric vehicles that can charge from 10% to 80% in just four and a half minutes.
The 35 kWh battery, which was reported by CNN, represents a significant advancement in battery technology, promising to make electric vehicles more convenient and practical for everyday use.
“Through extensive research in the UK and the US, we have developed a new battery technology that is ready and scalable. We are enabling the electrification of new products and services that are currently considered unviable or impossible,” said Sai Shivareddy, co-founder and CEO of Nyobolt.
The breakthrough in Nyobolt’s battery design lies in its ability to produce less heat during charging, thereby making it safer and reducing the risk of overheating. This is achieved through innovative materials used in the battery’s anode, which allow for faster electron transfer.
Nyobolt is currently in discussions with eight electric vehicle manufacturers about integrating this technology. Although the 35 kWh capacity is smaller compared to typical electric vehicle batteries, the technology holds potential for future applications in larger batteries.
However, the battery’s capacity is not the only hurdle for widespread adoption. For Nyobolt’s technology to fully realise its potential, a robust infrastructure of fast-charging stations is necessary. Presently, these fast chargers are sparse and not readily accessible.
Shivareddy remains optimistic, noting that the number of necessary charging stations is steadily increasing in both the United States and Europe. Additionally, the new Nyobolt batteries are compatible with Tesla’s superchargers.
“We are keen to collaborate with Tesla and other leading manufacturers to realise our vision of making charging times comparable to refuelling times. This will require industry-wide cooperation to deploy numerous high-power charging stations along with both grid-connected and off-grid power sources,” Shivareddy explained.
Another challenge facing Nyobolt’s batteries is their reliance on niobium, a chemical element that is currently mined in limited quantities. In the past year, global niobium production stood at 83,000 tonnes, a stark contrast to the 1.5 million tonnes of graphite mined for conventional lithium-ion batteries.
William Kaffert, an electromobility expert at consulting firm P3 Group, commented that while Nyobolt’s batteries theoretically could charge electric vehicles as quickly as the company claims, there are still many unknowns about the technology. He added that these unknowns could be addressed over time, but the technology is not yet considered viable for mass production or widespread application.
