BMW signs ups for low temperature technology with EC Power

Most lithium ion cells struggle to operate below the freezing point, which can be a problem for electric and hybrid vehicles, requiring additional heaters to boost the temperature of the battery packs. EC Power's patented All-Climate-Battery (ACB) technology operates in sub-zero temperatures by creating a self-heating function that warms up batteries from a low ambient temperature to the optimal operating condition in a matter of seconds, either prior to or during driving. This rapid self-heating function, which uses a custom material in the cell, requires no external power source, and hence, enables low-temperature fast charging in electric vehicles.

 

The self-heating mechanism creates an electrochemical interface that warms up the internals to 0ºC within 20 seconds at -20ºC and within 30 seconds at -30ºC, consuming only 3.8 percent and 5.5 percent of cell capacity, respectively. The ACB cell yields a discharge/regeneration power of 1.06 and 1.4kW/kg at a 50 percent state of charge and at -30ºC provides up to 12 times the power of state-of-the-art lithium-ion cells.

 

The company has used computer-aided discovery for the development of innovative battery and energy storage systems through its AutoLion software and has a battery factory in central Pennsylvania. The factory currently produces thousands of prismatic and pouch cell in 10 to 20 Ah capacity to demonstrate viability for mass production and in-vehicle testing.

 

EC Power designs and develops electrochemical energy systems such as rechargeable batteries and fuel cells for vehicle electrification, renewable energy storage, and power grid management. EC Power extensively performs R&D with clients in private industry, government, and academia.