ACE to introduce Advanced LFP cell Technology with 200 Wh/kg energy density – Tim Poor
Florida headquartered Advanced Cell Engineering (ACE) develops advanced lithium-ion battery cell technologies for the electric vehicle industry. The company claims that its advanced LFP (lithium iron phosphate) and LM:FP (lithium multi-metal iron phosphate) battery technologies will allow electric vehicles to offer a significantly longer range in a safe, cost-effective cell.
Tim Poor, President at Advanced Cell Engineering, answers questions about their work and technology readiness.
How does your cell chemistry differ from the existing LFP cell chemistry market? What all form factors do you plan to build?
Our Advanced LFP has a significantly higher energy density (190-200 Wh/kg) than the current LFP that is on the market today (about 160 Wh/kg). This will result in increased vehicle range. Advanced LFP can be produced on existing standard manufacturing equipment in any cell format (cylindrical, prismatic, pouch).
We have also developed a very large format (VLF) cell design and filed a patent application with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
The unique architecture of our new 1-meter VLF cell will increase the energy density of Advanced LFP even further to about 250 Wh/kg (versus 200 Wh/kg in a 21700 cell). This is about the same as the energy density of NMC/NCA but in a much safer, more cost-effective cell.
The VLF cell will also simplify battery pack design, reducing costs and providing design flexibility. Today’s EVs contain thousands of small cells assembled into a number of modules, which are, in turn, assembled into a battery pack. The ACE VLF cell will eliminate the need for the module structure by integrating eighty to a hundred 1-meter prismatic cells directly into the battery pack, which is then installed into a vehicle’s chassis. We expect the cell design to be available for licensing in early 2023.
What will be your model for working with cell manufacturing companies?
Licensing. We will license our technologies to OEMs or their cell manufacturing partners.
The licenses we will offer are “portfolio licenses,” which means that licensees will have access to all of ACE’s future technology innovations. Our technology roadmap is available on our website. Not only do we license the chemistry, but we also conduct a complete technology transfer to ensure that our licensees’ manufacturing facilities come online quickly and smoothly.
Are you looking to work with Indian companies?
Yes! India is electrifying faster than most other markets and is leading the world in the electrification of 2-3 wheel vehicles. We’re excited to work with Indian companies to offer our Advanced LFP technology for a safer and longer-range battery. In fact, we are already fielding preliminary discussions with companies based in India.
What is your technology readiness level?
We are in the final stages of testing and optimizing the chemistry for Advanced LFP. The initial results are in the 190-200 watt-hours per kilogram range. We’re actively establishing partnerships now, and our Advanced LFP chemistry will be available for licensing at the beginning of 2023.
This interview was originally published in EVReporter August 2022 Magazine which can be accessed here.
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