Amprius Technologies, headquartered in California, has introduced an innovative high-energy density silicon anode cell with remarkable potential for applications in aerial and automotive industries. This breakthrough technology boasts a discharge rate of 10C and an energy density of 400 watt-hours per kilogram, offering advantages for electric vertical take-offs and landings (eVTOL), unmanned aerial vehicles, and high-performance electric vehicles.
Amprius utilizes a silicon anode, the battery’s positive electrode, which can store up to 10 times more lithium than conventional graphite electrodes. This leads to improved energy density and faster charging speeds. In the realm of eVTOL, where significant propulsion power is required to lift substantial loads, this advancement is particularly significant. The battery’s capacity to deliver energy at a rapid rate could potentially revolutionize the acceleration of electric vehicles, enabling a 0-60 miles per hour sprint in just 1.5 seconds.
Notably, Amprius claims that their cell maintains high current pulses even at low states of charge without dropping below the cut-off voltage. The cell can maintain a power density of 3000 watts per kilogram at 30 percent depths-of-discharge, with the maximum power density surpassing 4400 W/kg at high charge levels.
Amidst the drive to improve energy density and extend driving ranges, various automakers and battery technology companies are exploring breakthroughs. In a similar vein, Australia-based Li-S Energy recently unveiled third-generation cells with semi-solid state lithium-sulfur technology, boasting a volumetric energy density of 540 Wh/l. Additionally, Chinese battery manufacturer Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited (CATL) disclosed a third-generation nickel-cobalt-manganese (NCM) cell with an energy density of 450 Wh/l.
While these developments hold promise on paper, their real-world performance remains to be assessed in applications that resonate with the general public. As these technologies continue to evolve, the automotive and aerial sectors eagerly anticipate advancements that could redefine their industries.