Advanced Li-ion Chemistry for Safer and Greener Electric Vehicle and Energy Storage Systems
South 8 Technologies
Recipient
San Diego, CA
Recipient Location
39th
Senate District
78th
Assembly District
$902,480
Amount Spent
Active
Project Status
Project Update
In 2022, South 8 further improved performance of its Liquefied Gas (LiGas) electrolyte technology for advanced Li-ion batteries. Research demonstrated highly functional graphite anodes and high voltage cathodes which can lower the cost and improve power of battery cells. Further research has demonstrated potential to increase cell level energy (through silicon anode and high voltage NMC cathodes) and safety. Prototypes delivered to customers has demonstrated aspects of this technology, particularly the improved low temperature performance. Several customers purchase orders have been received for Pre-A samples to be delivered in 2023. Small battery packs will be built to demonstrate safety and high performance on the pack level, as well.
The Issue
Today's lithium-ion batteries were designed for consumer electronics. With a push towards grid-storage batteries and electric vehicles to curb carbon emissions, a new generation of batteries with improved performance are required. Improvements to the energy density, cost, recyclability, and safety metrics of lithium batteries are restricted by electrolyte chemistry.
Project Innovation
The purpose of this Agreement is to fund the development of liquefied gas electrolytes for their use in Li-ion cells with superior performance metrics compared to the state-of-practice. Development will focus on utilizing a graphite anode, high-nickel cathode, and demonstration of high cell safety and recyclability with a focus on their use in energy storage system (ESS) or electric vehicle applications.
Project Benefits
This project, if successful, will advance Li-ion batteries to have an increase in battery pack level energy density, reduce thermal runaway and safety concerns, and lower costs while utilizing the mainstream manufacturing processes and equipment. Developing this technology for Li-ion will be a near-term market to also bring the technologies application to lithium metal batteries closer to commercialization.
Affordability
This project aims to save California Investor-Owned Utility ratepayers money via lower utility bills through lower cost ESS coming online and through lower cost Electric Vehicles, both on the sale and charging of the vehicle. Whether it is an ESS or an EV, South 8 is able to provide a more cost-effective solution through lower cathode cost, improved manufacturing, improved safety, and improved recyclability.
Environmental Sustainability
Using these models, we may instead estimate the savings from the life of the battery over 2,000 cycles at 100% depth of discharge, over ten years (minimum life of the battery). This cycle profile would be equivalent to 200 MWh of energy savings per year per MWh storage facility. CO2 emissions for California is estimated at 730 lbs per MWh.
Safety
One of the biggest focuses on this project is to demonstrate improved safety of the lithium gas electrolyte as it applies to Energy Storage for grid storage as well as Electric Vehicles. In contrast to conventional Li-ion cells, under physical or electrical abuse South 8 cells will rapidly vent the non-hazardous lithium gas electrolyte out from the cell through a built in vent in the cell.
Subrecipients
Quallion LLC
