DOE backs EV battery, electrification research with USD 19m

The US Department of Energy (DOE) will provide USD 19 million (EUR 15.7m) in funds to support projects that aim to make fast charging of electric vehicles (EVs), of 15 minutes or less, possible.

Nine of the 12 winning projects involve the development of advanced anodes, electrolytes, and battery cell designs that can be charged in less than 10 minutes without compromising performance over the 10-year life goal. Microvast Inc, Regents of the University of Michigan and SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory are in the list, each with USD 1.5 million in DOE financing.

Three other projects will develop and verify electric drive systems and infrastructure for EV extreme fast charging, which boosts charging power levels up to 400 kW, as compared to current home charging at 7 kW. These will help cut typical charging times from 8 hours down to 15 minutes or less. For its work in that direction, Wireless Advanced Vehicle Electrification Inc will get USD 4.3 million, Delta Products Corp -- USD 3.5 million, and the Oak Ridge National Laboratory -- USD 2.2 million.

The funding comes through the Vehicle Technologies Office within the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. The DOE supports research on batteries and electrification with a goal to bring battery pack costs below USD 100/kWh, raise range to over 300 miles, and allow charging in under 15 minutes or less by 2028.

(USD 1 = EUR 0.83)

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