German automotive supplier Schaeffler is set to reveal its new solid-state electric vehicle (EV) battery at CES 2024, joining the competitive field of solid-state energy storage technology. Despite being known for ball bearings, Schaeffler has delved into solid-state battery research, and the upcoming battery will be showcased at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas on January 9-12, 2024.
AutoWeek reports that the “next-generation” all-solid-state EV battery will be displayed by Schaeffler Americas at CES 2024. The battery features prototype parts enclosed in a pack built by another specialized company, maintaining an air of secrecy about its details.
Collaborating with Honda and The Ohio State University Institute for Materials and Manufacturing Research, Schaeffler is also involved in a new battery research center scheduled to open in 2025. A previous project in partnership with Honda and the US Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory earned $3.8 million under the EVs4ALL program, aiming to develop more affordable and efficient electric vehicle batteries.
The Ohio State University’s research, supported by the grant, produced a prototype EV battery with the potential to double usable battery lifetime, reduce pack size, decrease costs, and enable rapid charging. Although the exact composition of the solid-state battery remains undisclosed, it is based on abundant and inexpensive materials with exceptional longevity under fast-charging scenarios.
In August, Schaeffler announced that OSU would host its Schaeffler Hub for Advanced Research program, focusing on all solid-state electrolyte (ASSE) battery development. The collaboration aims to delve into solid-state batteries and fuel cell technology.
The application of high entropy oxide materials to solid-state EV battery systems, a relatively new approach, has piqued the interest of ARPA-E. The high entropy oxide (HEO) anode technology, developed by OSU, is intended to tolerate rapid charging while demonstrating longevity beyond current lithium-ion cells.
Schaeffler emphasizes its commitment to developing the next generation of all-solid-state battery technology to support the automotive industry’s shift to electric mobility. The collaboration with The Ohio State University aims to provide scalable solutions and position Ohio at the forefront of battery technology.
Honda, as the lead foundational partner in the project with a $15 million commitment, intends to move beyond lab-level technology and develop all-solid-state battery technology for mass production.
In summary, Schaeffler, in collaboration with Honda and The Ohio State University, is poised to unveil a cutting-edge solid-state EV battery at CES 2024. The collaboration emphasizes the potential of all-solid-state batteries to revolutionize energy storage, offering higher energy density and enabling longer operational durations with fast charging capabilities.
