H2020 backs EV range extension tech

The European Commission is backing a project targeting the development of advanced battery technology that could increase the range of electric vehicles.

The ALISE project is receiving funding over four years through Horizon 2020 and intends to realise lithium sulfur technology to 500Wh/kg with 2,000 cycles by 2019. It will involve the development of the key components of the cell, namely the anode, cathode and electrolyte and will culminate in an ultra-lightweight battery for a SEAT vehicle for testing on tracks and public roads.

ALISE is a pan-European collaboration focused on the development and commercial scale up of new materials, as well as understanding the electrochemical processes involved in lithium sulfur technology. This project has 15 partners in total and is being co-ordinated by LEITAT.

Commenting, Huw Hampson-Jones, CEO of OXIS Energy, a partner in the project consortium, said, “OXIS has already advanced lithium sulfur technology to achieve 325Wh/kg. We expect to see the widespread adoption of electric vehicles enabled by the work of this project.”

OXIS will lead the work to develop the anode, the critical area needed to achieve the high cycle life. Aided by several organisations, OXIS will develop both anode coatings and alternatives to the pure lithium currently used. The company will also work to develop the cathode and electrolyte and partner with Fraunhofer IWS and Solvionic, targeting a gravimetric energy of 500Wh/kg needed for lightweight batteries which will increase the range of electric vehicles.

OXIS will then use its experience of lithium sulfur manufacturing to scale-up the assembly of this new generation of cells from lab scale to pilot production scale. SEAT, aided by OXIS and other partners, will integrate these cells into its vehicle. According to OXIS, the ALISE project involves dedicated durability and testing that will ensure the safety and adequate cycle of the battery being developed.