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Battery company Sila Nanotechnologies claims a 20% increase in EV range, as well as faster charging, with its nano-composite silicon-anode battery technology, branded Titan Silicon.
The company made that claim in a recent press release, adding that it has “the building blocks to double those gains in future releases.” Sila also claims its silicon anode can charge 10-80% in 20 minutes, with plans to reduce that to 10 minutes.
Mercedes-Benz EQG concept
These advantages can be achieved with safety margins and life cycles comparable to today’s graphite anodes, Sila claims, while reducing battery weight by up to 15% and increasing space by up to 20%. It can also maintain compatibility with current battery cell form factors and manufacturing facilities.
The first automotive application for Sila’s battery technology is likely to be the Mercedes-Benz EQG, the electric version of the G-Class off-roader. Mercedes confirmed the technology for the EQG last May, with the cells coming from a plant in Washington State running on 100% renewable energy. EQG is slated for 2024, but Sila’s sourced cells are slated for use in a remote version to be released later this decade.
Mercedes-Benz EQG concept
Sila’s closest rival in the race to commercialize silicon-anode battery cells is Group14 Technologies, another US-based company, which sees the technology as an avenue for faster charging, and thus a potential antidote to heavy and expensive battery packs. If EVs could charge faster, range would be less important, just like petrol cars. The ability to find gas stations easily and refuel quickly makes petrol car drivers rarely think about range.
Silicon anodes have been the next big thing since around 2018 — and unlike some other battery trends, there’s been very little to dampen their enthusiasm. General Motors is also betting on them, backing developers in the hope that silicon-anode technology will provide more efficient batteries.
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