XALT Launches Second-Generation Battery Technology

XALT Energy, the Michigan-based manufacturer of lithium-ion cells and battery systems, has introduced a new modular battery pack that is the first to use the company’s second-generation cell technology. The XMOD114E, which debuted at the APTA show in Atlanta, is an ultra-high density lithium-ion battery building block for highly-integrated energy storage systems based on XALT Energy’s lithium-ion cells.

The modular pack delivers a specific energy of 175 kWh/kg, which the company said sets a new benchmark for energy density, life and robustness for lithium-ion batteries. XMOD114E is specifically designed for use in heavy-duty transportation vehicles, such as commercial transit buses, as well as trucking, marine and stationary applications.

The XMOD114E modules have the same core construction as the XALT’s liquid-cooled XPAND battery packs, but without the enclosure and bulkhead. The XMOD114E design is optimized for large systems where the integrator installs the modules in a suitable superstructure. Eliminating individual pack enclosures saves system weight and allows the modules to be packaged close to each other, resulting in much higher energy storage capacity in the available space, the company said. Further, with the modules enclosed in a superstructure, high voltage connections can be made directly to the XMOD terminals, thereby eliminating the need for costly high voltage connectors, XALT said.

The XMOD114E module incorporates XALT Energy’s Gen II 65Ah Ultra-High Energy (UHE) cells in a 2p24s architecture to provide 11.4 kWh total energy. The 65Ah UHE cell delivers 47% more energy density compared to the first-generation (Gen I) technology, the company said.

The 65Ah UHE cell is engineered to provide a strong cycle and calendar life when compared to similar cells and is suitable for high-energy density applications where space and weight are limiting factors, such as in hybrid and fully electric vehicles, grid storage, and electric marine vessels and locomotives.

“Our Gen II cell delivers a significantly higher energy density cell at a reduced cost without sacrificing battery cycle life,” said Lisa Stevenson, director of cell development for XALT Energy. “Based on market demands, our team has worked intensively on this technology to bring it to market in less than 18 months.”

“Our team has met and collaborated with leading bus OEMs, operators, drivers and service technicians to identify and address major gaps in the electric vehicle (EV) bus market that are now addressed with the introduction of XALT Energy’s XMOD114E solution,” said Jason Lambert, director of mechanical engineering and system integration at XALT Energy. “Customers have already been providing fantastic feedback in regard to ease of installation, performance in the vehicle and overall value. This truly is an exciting time for homegrown American innovation.”

For more information: www.XALTEnergy.com