Solid-state battery ready for series production

The HPB solid-state battery currently has at least 12,500 charging cycles, the company stated. (Photo: High Performance Battery)

Bonn, Germany-based High Performance Battery (HPB), a startup specializing in the research and development of high-tech batteries, has developed what it reports to be the world’s first solid-state battery ready for series production. The company will be using a licensing model for the technology to allow rapid market introduction in many applications and global regions

“We are already holding intensive talks not only in Germany and Europe - in India, too, people are very open to implementing our technology,” said Sebastian Heinz, CEO of HPB. “In Switzerland, a gigafactory is already being planned that will cover the Swiss market and produce for further licensees.”

The company said data and properties measured in its technology have thus far shown significantly better values and characteristics compared to lithium-ion. While conventional lithium-ion batteries have to be replaced after about 1,250 charging cycles – with hourly charging and discharging – the HPB solid-state battery currently has at least 12,500 charging cycles with a comparable load, said HPB. This longevity means less raw materials used, plus primary materials can be easily procured worldwide.

In addition, the solid-state electrolyte shows a higher conductivity at minus 40° C than conventional liquid electrolytes at their optimum at plus 60° C, the company stated, ensuring sufficient power is available even at extreme temperatures and eliminating the need for preheating. The new solid-state electrolyte is also non-flammable.

Applications for the HPB solid-state battery range from stationary storage for home and industrial use to charging infrastructures and the mobility segment, such as the automotive industry.