In a landmark development for electric vehicles (EVs), Ilika has introduced its first full-size 50Ah Goliath solid-state battery prototype. This advancement signifies a pivotal step towards more efficient, safer, and longer-lasting energy solutions for the EV industry.
Ilika’s Goliath prototype showcases a solid-state pouch cell design, incorporating an NMC cathode and a silicon anode. This configuration offers several notable benefits over traditional lithium-ion batteries. One of the most significant advantages is enhanced safety. In rigorous nail penetration tests, the Goliath battery neither exploded nor caught fire, maintaining external temperatures below 80°C. This performance starkly contrasts with conventional lithium-ion cells, which can reach temperatures exceeding 600°C under similar conditions. Such inherent safety could lead to lighter and less expensive EV designs, as the need for extensive mechanical protection and cooling systems diminishes.
Beyond safety, the Goliath battery demonstrates impressive performance metrics. It achieves an effective energy density of 250 Wh/kg with a capacity of 0.715 Ah, matching the energy density of current lithium-ion pouch cells. This parity suggests that EVs equipped with Goliath batteries could enjoy longer ranges without compromising on battery size or weight. Additionally, the solid-state nature of the Goliath battery allows for faster charging times and a longer lifespan, addressing two critical concerns of EV consumers.
Ilika’s strategic roadmap includes delivering fully characterized P1 cells to up to 15 customers in 2024, with plans to license the technology for third-party giga-scale implementation by 2025. This approach underscores Ilika’s commitment to not only advancing battery technology but also ensuring its widespread adoption across the automotive industry.
In summary, Ilika’s Goliath solid-state battery represents a transformative advancement in EV technology. By offering superior safety, enhanced energy density, and improved performance, it positions itself as a game-changer in the quest for more efficient and reliable electric transportation solutions.
Ilika plc (LON:IKA) is a pioneer in solid state battery technology enabling solutions for applications in Industrial IoT, MedTech, Electric Vehicles and Consumer Electronics.
