November 11, 2022 | News and funding updates from the across the battery landscape include new EV battery partnerships, supply partnerships for Lithium-Iron Phosphate batteries, a $25M Series A for lithium-ion dry-electrode technology, and more.
THOR Industries, the global RV industry leader, has entered into a strategic partnership with Harbinger Motors, a best-in-class commercial electric vehicle (EV) company delivering proprietary, industry-leading EV technology targeted to the medium-duty chassis platforms utilized in the RV industry. THOR is committed to enhancing the RV experience through a holistic, global eMobility innovation strategy, which was unveiled in early 2022. Creating a superior electrified experience requires a comprehensive electrified RV ecosystem that drives a best-in-class experience for THOR owners. Powered by its proprietary technology, Harbinger Motors is a recognized leader in the medium-duty motorized EV space with the talent, experience and demonstrated performance to help accelerate THOR’s electrification of RVs, including larger RVs like Class A motorhomes. Press Release.
American Battery Factory, a leader in developing the first network of gigafactories in the United States based on Lithium-Iron Phosphate (LFP) cell technology, has announced a strategic alliance agreement with Anovion to supply graphite anode materials for ABF’s US-manufactured LFP battery cells. As the preferred vendor for ABF’s synthetic graphite anode materials, Anovion will ensure domestic sourcing of this critical battery component. Beyond strengthening the domestic supply chain for LFP battery cells, the two companies aim to foster long-term collaborative efforts, including joint investment in emerging technologies to improve battery performance and supply chain optimization. Press release.
Advanced Cell Engineering (ACE), a Florida-based developer and licensor of advanced lithium-ion battery technologies has secured a contract to supply five-hundred 21700 battery cells to Bren-Tronics, a global manufacturer of advanced portable power systems for military applications used by the U.S., NATO and government forces around the world. The Long Island-based company will use ACE’s cells to produce high energy and power dense prototypes for a variety of military applications. ACE develops and licenses proprietary advanced lithium-ion technologies which provide a significant increase in energy density and improved performance over existing battery chemistries available today. The technology can be produced in any cell format and is readily compatible with standard cell manufacturing equipment. Press release.
AM Batteries (AMB), a pioneer in lithium-ion dry-electrode technology, has closed its Series A financing. Anzu Partners, an investment firm that focuses on breakthrough industrial technologies, led AMB’s oversubscribed $25M Series A funding, with participation from TDK Ventures, Foothill Ventures, Toyota Ventures, Zeon Ventures, SAIC Capital, VinFast, Doral Energy-Tech Ventures, and Creative Ventures. The financing will allow AMB to expand its team and accelerate its commercialization efforts, advance its roll-to-roll manufacturing pilot line to a production-grade line for customers, and extend its dry-electrode manufacturing platform to new battery chemistries and technologies like solid-state batteries. Press release.
Yoshino Technology has launched the first solid-state technology (SST) battery in 330-, 660-, 2000- and 4000-watt power stations, offering more power in a smaller, safer power station for uses ranging from outdoor family and outdoor adventure to home backup and industrial settings. These portable power stations are built around a state-of-the-art solid electrolyte in place of the bulky and flammable liquid electrolyte found in traditional lithium batteries, which improves performance and represents a giant leap forward for battery technology. Higher energy density means the same amount of power fits into a smaller, lighter package compared to traditional lithium batteries. Whereas liquid electrolytes are flammable and can catch fire if a battery is damaged or overheated, SST batteries have greatly reduced risk because they use a solid electrolyte. Press release.
NanoGraf, an advanced battery materials company and enabler of the world’s most energy-dense 18650 lithium-ion cell, has announced a new industry milestone for energy density in an 18650 battery form factor at 810 Wh/L (4.0Ah capacity). The 4.0Ah cell leverages NanoGraf’s proprietary silicon-anode material in a common form factor, enabling significant improvements in run-time across a wide range of applications, including consumer electronics, military applications, medical devices, and electric vehicles. The increased stability and highly scalable nature of NanoGraf’s silicon-anode cell solves the pain points of commercial 1st generation SiOx anodes, and it is proven to be drop-in ready for existing cell designs and production processes. Press release.
EV battery company, InoBat, has entered a strategic partnership with GUS Technology, giving both companies greater access to other markets while allowing InoBat to fulfil demand for its products through GUS’ production facilities. GUS Technology will manufacture InoBat-designed batteries at its new serial production facility in Taiwan. InoBat will use GUS Technology production to fulfil demand ahead of InoBat’s facility in Voderady, Slovakia becoming fully operational. The agreement supports InoBat’s ambitions in Asian-Pacific markets and provides GUS Technology with access to Europe through InoBat’s existing relationships. Press release.
InoBat Auto has also signed declarations of intent with Spanish authorities for the construction of a new manufacturing plant in Spain. This signing is a key next step in the company’s plans to create a network of EV battery production plants across the globe. InoBat is also considering other sites, including in the United Kingdom, but protocols represent a strong demonstration of support to establish the project in Valladolid, Spain. Press release.
