Pilot Production of High-Performance Lithium-Ion Battery Packs
Sonocharge Energy, Inc.
Recipient
San Diego, CA
Recipient Location
40th
Senate District
78th
Assembly District
Completed
Project Status
Project Result
This project kicked off in late 2024. Since the project start, Sonocharge has completed a relocation from San Diego to a new facility in Mountain View, CA which will serve as the location for the low-rate initial production facility. The project team is currently conducting facilities renovation and identifying and purchasing equipment to begin development of the pilot production line. This includes facility lay out design and process engineering.
The Issue
Li-ion batteries currently grapple with a complex challenge: striking a balance between fast charging capabilities, high energy density, extended cycle life, and safety. This intricacy is rooted in the sluggish diffusion rate of lithium ion within battery cells, leading to a trade-off scenario were enhancing one aspect often comes at the expense of the remaining three. Consequently, existing batteries might excel in one specific area but suffer setbacks in the others, presenting a substantial hurdle for overall battery performance.
The EV batteries today charge 65 mins (more than 1C) to reach 100% SOC or retained only 30% of the cycle life if charges at 15 mins (3C) to 100%. The Recipients technology address the issues, providing an acoustic platform technology to boost the battery performances to reduce the charging time to 15 mins (3C) while maintaining the long cycle life.
Project Innovation
Sonocharge has developed an innovative and patented technology called The Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) which transmits acoustic waves inside lithium-ion battery cells. This acoustic wave does two critical things: 1) it causes the lithium ions in the solution to constantly mix within the cell, and 2) completely prevents lithium-ion buildup on the anode (dendrites). The result of the SAW is an increase in the energy density capable in each cell, which translates into faster charging times, longer lifespan, higher energy density, increased safety, and a dramatically lower cost of batteries.? In this project, Sonocharge will develop the SAW Plate line, the battery pack line and validate the system via EV field testing, ramping up production to 500 MWh per year and achieving MRL / TRL 8 by the end of the project.
Project Goals
Project Benefits
One of the key benefits of this technology lies in the substantial improvement of at least 100% in charging speed and travel range, effectively alleviating the factors contributing to range anxiety and fostering wider EV adoption. Additionally, this technology ensures a significant 50% enhancement in safety by eliminating the formation of hazardous Li dendrites that can arise during fast charging conditions. Furthermore, cost reductions of 30-40% can be achieved, as this technology diminishes the quantity of batteries needed for incorporation into a battery module.
Consumer Appeal
This technology can significantly increase the lifespan of lithium-ion batteries while also increasing charging speed and performance, all characteristics that can increase appeal of electrified transportation.
Affordability
Increasing battery life and performance can also reduce costs by diminishing the quantity of batteries needed for incorporation into a battery module.
Key Project Members
