The British battery materials supplier Echion Technologies and Slovakian battery company InoBat will work together, exploring how “Echion’s XNO anode material and InoBat’s proprietary battery technologies can be combined to improve performance and deliver differentiated, high-performance batteries.” The two companies have now signed a Memorandum of Understanding to that effect.
As part of the deal, Echion will supply the above-mentioned niobium-based anode material, which is said to have several advantages. It, for example, supposedly allows lithium-ion batteries to be charged faster and allows for higher energy densities at low temperatures. “A cycle life of more than 10,000 cycles” is also possible, according to the company. The exact amount, which Enchion will supply, was not disclosed.
“InoBat and Echion share an ambition to innovate quickly to impact the global battery industry,” says Ben Ting, Chief Commercial Officer at Echion. “Through this shared vision, we are confident that our collaboration will deliver innovative, sustainable batteries, fit to revolutionise electric heavy-duty vehicles.”
Iain Wight, Chief Commercial Officer at InoBat, adds: “InoBat is committed to working with industry-leading innovators and I am looking forward to exploring what can be achieved by combining both companies’ technologies and expertise. Echion has also taken steps to create a supply chain for its materials that is as sustainable as possible, aligning closely with our ‘cradle-to-cradle’ company ethos.”
Batteries using Enchion’s XNO are, for example, battery electric and hybrid trains, mining haul trucks, high-demand buses, and delivery vehicles. According to the company, they could also be used in motorsport and space.
Echion wants to produce 2,000 tonnes of its XNO anode material by next year and supply it to cell manufacturers. Last year, the company signed a deal with Morrow Batteries, which ordered 150 tonnes of XNO per year over five years.