Amprius Technologies recently shipped its latest A-Sample EV cells to the United States Advanced Battery Consortium (USABC), a research collaboration that includes Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis, aimed at advancing electric vehicle (EV) battery technology. Amprius’ new SiMaxx cells exceed the industry standards set by the USABC, offering enhanced energy density, faster charging speeds, and more efficient energy delivery, setting a new benchmark for EV batteries.
High Energy Density: Increased Range Without Extra Bulk
Amprius’ SiMaxx cells achieve an impressive energy density of 360 Wh/kg, far surpassing the USABC target of 275 Wh/kg. This high energy density enables electric vehicles to achieve longer ranges without requiring a larger battery. For EV drivers, this means less frequent charging and more miles on the road, all without compromising vehicle space or weight.
In addition to the high energy density, SiMaxx cells boast a power density of 1200 W/kg, allowing for more efficient energy transfer, translating into a more responsive driving experience for EV owners.
Fast Charging: 15 Minutes to 90%, Exceeding Industry Targets
One of the standout features of Amprius’ A-Sample EV cells is their rapid charging capability. These cells can go from empty to 90% in just 15 minutes, surpassing the USABC’s target of reaching 80% in the same time frame. This quick charging technology significantly reduces downtime for drivers and can alleviate strain on public charging infrastructure, enhancing the overall user experience.
Robust Charge Cycle Performance, Approaching 1,000 Cycles
Amprius’ internal testing also shows promising progress toward achieving up to 1,000 charge cycles. This longevity ensures that EV users can rely on consistent battery performance over an extended period, reducing the need for battery replacements and enhancing the overall lifecycle of the battery.
Partnership with USABC and DOE to Drive EV Battery Innovation
The USABC is a subsidiary of the United States Council for Automotive Research (USCAR), a collaborative technology company formed by Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis, with support from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). The collaboration is focused on accelerating the adoption of advanced battery technologies for EVs. In May 2022, Amprius entered into a $3 million contract with the USABC and DOE to develop the A-Sample EV cells. The delivery of these sample cells marks the final milestone of this development project.
Scaling Production to Meet Market Demand
To meet the increasing demand, Amprius has secured agreements for over 500 MWh of contract manufacturing, ensuring they are ready to scale production and deploy these batteries into a wide range of EVs. As the automotive industry continues to shift towards cleaner energy, Amprius’ battery technology could play a pivotal role in driving this transformation.
Dr. Kang Sun, CEO of Amprius, said, “With their superior energy and power performance, fast charging, wide operating temperature range, and safety features, Amprius is continuing to transform the EV sector and other electric mobility segments as we scale toward high-volume manufacturing.”
