May 23, 2018 | News Brief | BP has announced a $20 million investment in ultra-fast-charging battery start-up company StoreDot, which is developing technology that could eventually see electric vehicle (EV) charging times fall to five minutes. The investment is part of a series of deals struck by BP’s venturing arm alongside its advanced mobility unit (AMU) supporting the the growth of electric vehicles through the development of technologies and infrastructure.
StoreDot has already developed a lithium ion-based battery technology that enables ultra-fast charging for the mobile and industrial markets. Using this technology, StoreDot is developing a new type of electric-car battery that will aim to achieve charging in times comparable to refuelling a traditional car. StoreDot currently expects first sales of its flash batteries for mobile devices as early as 2019.
BP’s work on advanced mobility and fast and convenient EV charging networks, which includes venturing investments in both StoreDot and Freewire Technologies, a manufacturer of mobile EV rapid charging systems, supports customers who aim to reduce their emissions through EVs. The technology to support EVs is advancing rapidly and there could be some 300 million on the road in 2040 according to BP’s latest Energy Outlook.
