#USA #San Leandro #electric vehicles #Coreshell #Metallurgical Silicon

Coreshell Launches Groundbreaking 60 Ah Battery Cells

In a significant advancement for the electric vehicle (EV) sector, Coreshell Technologies has recently unveiled the industry's first commercial-scale 60 Ah battery cells, leveraging 100% domestically-sourced metallurgical silicon. This innovative move does not only set a benchmark for battery performance but also aims to transform cost structures and sustainability metrics in the EV market.

A Game-Changer in Battery Technology

Coreshell's newly developed MG-Si (Metallurgical Silicon) battery cells boast an impressive tenfold increase in specific capacity compared to conventional graphite anodes, all while slashing material costs by up to 50%. Furthermore, the new technology significantly cuts carbon emissions by 29% when compared to traditional LFP/graphite batteries, marking a crucial milestone in the global push for greener energy solutions.

Jonathan Tan, CEO of Coreshell, highlights this achievement, stating, "While many battery innovations focus on range, we recognized that cost and scalability are the key hurdles for mass adoption. This technology allows us to produce batteries that are 25% cheaper per kWh than the current graphite-based batteries and entirely domestically sourced in the U.S. and EU."

Currently, China dominates the global graphite supply, controlling about 93% of the market, which poses a vulnerability for the EV industry. Coreshell's commitment to utilize metallurgical silicon circumvents this dependence, thereby enhancing supply chain security and sustainability. As a result, the company is gearing up to deliver A-samples of these 60 Ah battery cells to major automakers in 2025, having already started production at a newly built 4 MWh manufacturing facility in San Leandro, California.

Addressing Cost and Scalability Challenges

Coreshell's innovative approach addresses two critical challenges facing the EV industry: cost and scalability. By using unrefined metallurgical silicon as a starting point, the company not only reduces costs but also enhances battery performance. Unlike synthetic silicon, which has proven to be prohibitively expensive, metallurgical silicon offers a more economical solution without sacrificing efficiency.

With a significant reduction in costs and an increase in performance, Coreshell's batteries signify a promising pathway toward mass-market EV adoption. Other battery technologies have struggled with graphene degradation issues; however, Coreshell has adopted a layer-by-layer solution-phase coating technique to combat swelling, allowing for the effective use of larger silicon particles.

Partnerships for Success

Coreshell has partnered with Ferroglobe, a leading producer of silicon and ferroalloys, to optimize the performance and cost-efficiency of its battery technology. Ferroglobe's commitment to high-purity products synergizes with Coreshell's innovative methodologies, potentially expediting the transition to clean energy and enhancing the sustainability of the domestic supply chain for vital battery materials.

Hinrich Woebcken, General Partner at Trousdale Ventures, emphasizes the technology's potential by stating, "Coreshell is positioned to address both challenges while also improving performance through the use of metallurgical silicon."

Conclusion

As Coreshell positions itself at the forefront of battery innovation, the introduction of their 60 Ah battery cells marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of battery technology for electric vehicles. This breakthrough not only enhances battery capacity and reduces costs but also paves the way for a more sustainable and secure battery supply chain in the U.S. With imminent deliveries to global automakers in sight, Coreshell's vision of facilitating widespread EV adoption may soon become a reality, making electric vehicles more accessible to the average consumer.