Silicon battery technology has been steadily gaining traction in the commercial market, offering the promise of lower costs and higher performance compared to conventional lithium-ion batteries. This technology is poised to make a significant impact on the industry in the near future, with the US Army playing a key role in accelerating the use of silicon batteries in wearable and electric vehicle (EV) applications.
The Long Road To Silicon EV Batteries
Silicon batteries utilize lithium-ion technology, but instead of using graphite for the anodes, they use silicon. Silicon has the potential to hold 10 times as many lithium ions by weight as graphite, making it a highly promising anode medium. However, the initial use of silicon as a lithium battery anode predates that of graphite by seven years. Despite this early promise, the integration of silicon into EV batteries has faced significant challenges.
One major obstacle is that silicon expands significantly when exposed to lithium, and it is too weak to withstand the pressure of electrode manufacturing, as observed by the US Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.
Silicon Batteries And The US Army
In recent years, significant progress has been made in improving silicon battery technology, with the US Army playing a pivotal role in driving research and development. The Army, while slow to adopt battery-powered electric vehicles, has been keen on exploring silicon-based batteries for wearable and portable electronic gear, including drones.
In 2021, the US silicon battery startup Amprius Technologies secured a contract with the US Army to deploy its new silicon battery in drones, signaling a critical milestone for the technology. The company successfully passed a required nail penetration test for its US Army-grade silicon battery cell, demonstrating its robustness for military applications. This progress has paved the way for Amprius to expand its production and commercialization efforts.
Scaling Up Silicon Battery Production
Although the focus of Amprius’s contract with the US Army does not directly involve EV batteries, it has catalyzed the company’s expansion plans and has laid the groundwork for large-scale deployment. Amprius has made significant progress in its Army-funded Manufacturing Technology (ManTech) program, aiming to address Army-wide manufacturing requirements for its new battery technology. The company is finalizing its automation, testing, and manufacturing process cost-reduction initiatives to prepare for large-scale production in 2025.
Amprius’s recent launch of its SiCore platform, designed to offer high energy density and long cycle life, further solidifies its position as a promising player in the electric mobility market. Its CEO, Dr. Kang Sun, highlighted the significant opportunity for silicon anode batteries in electric mobility, underscoring the company’s dedication to addressing the growing market demand.
More Electric Vehicles For The US Army
Aside from its work with the US Army, Amprius also has strategic partnerships with industry leaders and is poised to contribute to the electrification efforts in the Army’s vehicle programs. The Army’s continued exploration of electric vehicle applications, such as the Light Tactical Vehicle collaboration with EV startups, signals a broader push towards electrification in military operations.
In conclusion, the advancements in silicon battery technology, driven in part by the US Army’s initiatives, are paving the way for innovative solutions in both military and civilian electric mobility applications, promising a future with cleaner, more efficient energy storage systems.