Safety tests have shown promising results for the Goliath solid-state battery prototypes developed by Ilika in the UK. One of the key tests performed, the nail penetration test, was conducted by researchers from University College London. This test is a standard assessment used in battery safety evaluations and was applied to Ilika’s Goliath P1 solid-state battery cell prototype. The company has already begun sharing solid-state battery samples with car manufacturers and is collaborating with a UK silicon supplier for BMW’s battery cells.
The nail penetration test is designed to simulate a catastrophic event by creating an internal short-circuit within the battery. This is achieved by driving a metal nail through the cell, which mimics a worst-case scenario that would typically lead to serious consequences in conventional lithium-ion batteries. In batteries with lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC) cathode chemistry, such an event would usually result in swelling, rupture, explosions, and even fires due to thermal runaway, with temperatures potentially reaching over 600°C. Although Goliath P1 cells also employ NMC cathode chemistry, the results from these tests were notably different. The P1 cells did not explode or catch fire, and the external temperatures remained below 80°C.
The results from these safety tests highlight the potential of solid-state batteries to provide a safer alternative for next-generation electric vehicles. A combination of improved safety and high energy density is expected to simplify battery pack designs, resulting in lighter vehicles with enhanced safety and increased driving ranges.
The testing was part of a brief collaborative study under the Faraday Institution’s SafeBatt project. This project focuses on enhancing safety in the development of next-generation battery technologies and involves a collaboration between Ilika, University College London, and the University of Oxford. SafeBatt’s core objective is to explore the science behind battery safety and work closely with UK battery developers to facilitate the industrial design and deployment of safer technologies.
Ilika’s CEO, Graeme Purdy, expressed satisfaction with the findings, stating that their solid-state cells are designed to be a safer alternative to the high-energy lithium-ion batteries currently in use. He noted that the results from this study provide further evidence supporting Goliath’s superior safety performance.
Dr. James Robinson from University College London, who leads the SafeBatt project, remarked that the initial safety results exceeded their expectations. While acknowledging that more testing is necessary, he highlighted the inherent safety advantage of this cell type over conventional batteries in the nail penetration test.
Professor Paul Shearing of the University of Oxford also emphasised the importance of integrating advanced safety testing into the development cycle of next-generation batteries. He expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration with Ilika and the opportunity to apply their knowledge of battery safety to solid-state technology.
These tests suggest that Ilika’s Goliath solid-state battery has a significant safety advantage over conventional lithium-ion cells, offering a promising option for future electric vehicle development.
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.
