Latest news with #Group14
Auto Blog
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Silicon-Carbon Battery Tech Ends EV Range Anxiety — 10-Min 0–80% Charge
By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. View post: Mitsubishi's New 3-Row SUV Looks Perfect for Families: So Why Won't It Come Here? Ending Range Anxiety: Major Steps, Not the Finish Line Imagine charging 80% of your electric vehicle's battery in under 10 minutes and achieving over 400 miles on a single charge. Group14 Technologies' silicon-carbon anode material, SCC55®, promises substantial advancements in EV battery capabilities, addressing some of the key barriers to mass adoption by improving both range and charging speeds. 0:05 / 0:09 Volkswagen partners with CATL to improve EV battery tech Watch More Enhanced Energy Density and Charging Performance US firm, Group14's, SCC55® material boosts cell-level specific energy to approximately 330 Wh/kg—about 30% higher than the industry's best commercial graphite-based cells, which typically reach around 250 Wh/kg. Group14's development pipeline targets as high as 370 Wh/kg in projected larger-format cells, aiming for 2025 commercial release. For comparison, many current-generation EVs equipped with graphite anodes max out around 300 miles per charge; field trials with SCC55®-enhanced packs (75 kWh) reportedly delivered over 400 miles in comparable conditions. Fast charging performance is also notable. Under laboratory conditions, SCC55®-based test cells have demonstrated 0–80% state-of-charge in less than 10 minutes using high-powered (350 kW) chargers, whereas most of today's EV batteries require around 30 minutes for the same recharge window. It should be recognized that these ultra-fast charge rates depend on both battery design and high-powered charging infrastructure, which — while expanding—is not yet universal. Technical Foundation and Cycle Life Traditional lithium-ion batteries rely on graphite anodes, which offer a theoretical capacity of 372 mAh/g. Silicon, in principle, offers a much higher storage capacity — up to 10 times more — but is known for severe swelling and rapid capacity fade over repeated charge-discharge cycles. Group14's solution uses a patented silicon-carbon composite (SCC55®) that incorporates silicon in a porous carbon matrix. According to Group14, this design achieves more than 1,500 cycles at 80% capacity retention, comparable to the cycle life of the best NMC lithium-ion cells currently used in electric vehicles. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Manufacturing and Real-World Integration A practical edge for automakers is compatibility. SCC55® can reportedly be integrated into existing battery factories without significant retooling, and is compatible with popular cathode chemistries such as NMC, LFP, or LMFP1. The silicon-carbon anode improves gravimetric energy density and enables lighter packs — Group14 claims silicon-anode cells allow a 20% reduction in pack weight, translating to overall vehicle weight savings in the hundreds of pounds. However, independent field verification of large-scale integration and the full impact on vehicle-level weight is still in progress. High-conductivity anodes also deliver somewhat improved regenerative braking responsiveness and, based on initial pilot testing, more consistent performance in colder climates, since silicon's conductivity helps maintain voltage under load. These operational advantages require external validation as broader deployments roll out. Charging Infrastructure Implications The enabling of true 10-minute fast charging is primarily realized when using 350 kW DC fast-charging stations—still relatively limited compared to lower-powered plugs, but growing in numbers. Group14 projects each high-powered station could serve up to six vehicles per hour, tripling throughput over typical present-day capabilities. These benefits, however, remain largely dependent on continued expansion of ultra-fast charging networks and cooperation with OEMs. Cost, Longevity, and Market Outlook The shift to silicon-anode tech is estimated to carry a 10-20% battery cost premium at the pack level, offset in part by improved charging infrastructure efficiency and the ability to downsize battery packs for equivalent range. Despite higher initial costs, improved utilization and logistics may yield net savings for fleets and consumers in certain scenarios. The projected cycle life, now reportedly matching leading Li-ion cells, marks a key threshold for adoption—but long-term field data will be necessary to confirm this parity under real-world driving conditions. Conclusion: Closing the Gaps, Not the Debate Group14's innovations signal a significant evolution — not a final solution — to EV battery constraints. The silicon-carbon SCC55® materials address longstanding technical barriers to higher energy density and rapid charging without drastically sacrificing battery life or requiring wholesale manufacturing change. Transformative gains in range and recharge convenience are within reach but claims about 'ending range anxiety for good' should be tempered by realities of charging infrastructure, vehicle integration, and cost evolution. This technology is an important catalyst, but large-scale transformation will depend on cross-industry coordination, policy support, and continued technical progress. The promise is exciting and real for the EV industry as a whole, but the journey, ongoing. Watch this tech. About the Author Brian Iselin View Profile
Geek Wire
02-07-2025
- Business
- Geek Wire
Next-gen battery materials manufacturer Group14 lays off workers in Washington state
Sustainability: News about the rapidly growing climate tech sector and other areas of innovation to protect our planet. SEE MORE Group14 has delayed the start of production of its battery materials at its BAM2 facility in Moses Lake. (Group14 Photo) Next-gen battery materials manufacturer Group14 Technologies laid off an undisclosed number of workers as tariff uncertainties and new federal policies create significant obstacles for the clean energy sector. The company, which has facilities in Washington and South Korea, confirmed for GeekWire that it had taken steps on Tuesday to 'rebalance our workforce to ensure the long-term resilience and competitiveness of our business.' Group14 recently disclosed that it was delaying the start of production at its flagship battery materials plant in Eastern Washington's Moses Lake from an initial target of late 2024 to a start date in early 2026. 'Shifts in demand, and uncertainties in global trade relationships have impacted our industry,' said spokesperson Katie Rolnick by email. 'We are taking proactive steps to align our operations with current realities while positioning ourselves for future growth.' Rolnick added that the company is continuing to support its joint venture in South Korea with electronics company SK materials. That plant will begin operating at full capacity this month and its output will be available to Chinese customers, avoiding the impact of U.S tariffs. Group14's headcount is 400 people. The layoffs impacted only its U.S. workforce. The company has developed a silicon anode material for use in lithium-ion batteries that holds more power and requires less time for recharging. The product is suitable for use in electric vehicles, consumer electronics and utility-scale batteries that can help meet power demand for data centers. The Senate on Tuesday narrowly passed a massive domestic policy bill that slashes clean energy supports. The Senate's version of the legislation went slightly easier on battery, nuclear and geothermal projects than the previously approved House version of the bill. It retained a full tax credit for these projects if construction begins before the end of 2033, and phases out the credit completely by 2036. But the Senate took a harder line on a $7,500 tax credit to cut the cost of EVs for consumers, eliminating the break by the end of September, instead of the House deadline of the end of the year. The two chambers are aiming to finalize the bill this week. In a GeekWire interview last month, Group14 CEO Rick Luebbe shared areas of optimism for his company's prospects despite recent headwinds. Luebbe said global battery demand will continue long term and he was hopeful that data centers represent a large, new market for batteries. 'We are behind a whole new opportunity in advanced materials production for all kinds of applications that are really critical,' Luebbe said.
Geek Wire
24-06-2025
- Business
- Geek Wire
Tariffs slow Group14's battery production plans — but data center demand opens potential new growth
Sustainability: News about the rapidly growing climate tech sector and other areas of innovation to protect our planet. SEE MORE Group14 has delayed the start of production of its battery materials at its BAM2 facility in Moses Lake by more than a year. (Group14 Photo) Group14 Technologies is slowing the launch of its flagship battery materials plant in Eastern Washington, pushing the start of production to early 2026, as tariff tensions and uncertain U.S. policy cloud the outlook for clean energy manufacturing. Despite the delay, the company remains optimistic about long-term customer demand and a potentially huge new market for Group14's silicon anode product as data center operators are adding utility-scale batteries to their power supplies. 'We know that AI data centers are strategically critical to the United States' economy and this is just another technology that is enabling [AI expansion],' said Group14 CEO Rick Luebbe. The company is also waiting to see what happens with $100 million of U.S. Department of Energy funding that it was awarded in 2022 as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act. The funding was meant to bolster America's battery manufacturing industry and challenge China's dominance in the field. Luebbe said he's 'confident' the money will be there given the jobs being created at the Moses Lake facility, which was expected to begin operations late last year. He did note that others have lost DOE funding as the Trump administration pulls resources from clean energy initiatives. Group14's technology is used in next-generation batteries that hold more power and require less time for recharging. The company has raised $649 million from investors and its headcount is 400 people. Luebbe cited multiple factors he believes are working in his 10-year-old company's favor: Data centers are adding batteries for rapidly available power when energy use spikes. In the U.S. alone, utility-scale battery storage capacity is anticipated to double this year. for rapidly available power when energy use spikes. In the U.S. alone, utility-scale battery storage capacity is anticipated to double this year. While EV adoption is projected to slow, it's still on the rise. (Bloomberg NEF predicts nearly 22 million passenger EVs will be sold this year — marking a 25% increase from last year — with China making two-thirds of the purchases.) Group14 customers also include consumer electronics. (Bloomberg NEF predicts nearly 22 million passenger EVs will be sold this year — marking a 25% increase from last year — with China making two-thirds of the purchases.) Group14 customers also include consumer electronics. Group14 has a manufacturing facility in South Korea that is a joint venture with electronics company SK materials. That plant will begin operating at full capacity next month and its output will be available to Chinese customers without U.S. tariffs. that is a joint venture with electronics company SK materials. That plant will begin operating at full capacity next month and its output will be available to Chinese customers without U.S. tariffs. Group14 increased its slate of customers from 110 in September to 150 today. While tariffs dampened interest from China, Luebbe said there is 'huge' demand from the U.S. and Europe. Other battery efforts in Washington are likewise trying to weather less predictable conditions. Last month, OneD Battery Sciences reportedly pulled the plug on its pilot plant in Moses Lake, while Sila is commissioning its battery materials facility in the same town and plans to start production this year. Group14 in September received a separate $200 million DOE grant to build a Moses Lake plant that will produce silane gas, an essential ingredient for manufacturing silicon battery materials. That support could be pulled, but Luebbe said the effort will proceed regardless. He hopes the company can navigate past the politicization of clean energy and appeal to more universal demands. 'This is job creation. This is factories, industrialization. This is creating a new industry. This is a chemical plant,' Luebbe said. 'We are behind a whole new opportunity in advanced materials production for all kinds of applications that are really critical.'
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Two powerhouse companies make game-changing breakthrough that could revolutionize electric vehicles: 'Unprecedented speed'
Two powerhouse companies have cracked the code on silicon battery technology that could revolutionize electric vehicles with unprecedented durability and lightning-fast charging capabilities, according to a recent piece by Interesting Engineering. BASF and Group14 Technologies announced their breakthrough silicon battery solution that delivers faster charging, higher energy density, and extreme durability — even when facing scorching temperatures that would typically damage traditional batteries. The innovation uses commercially available materials in a drop-in-ready format, making it easier for manufacturers to adopt quickly. "The future of energy storage powered by silicon batteries is here, and our collaboration with BASF is driving mainstream adoption at unprecedented speed," said Rick Luebbe, CEO and co-founder of Group14 Technologies. Silicon has long promised superior battery performance compared to traditional graphite, but past attempts struggled with stability and cycle life. The collaboration combines BASF's Licity 2698 X F binder — specifically developed for silicon-rich anodes — with Group14's advanced silicon battery material, called SCC55. Test cells for the silicon battery typically exceed 1,000 charging cycles while retaining 80% of their capacity under standard conditions. These batteries still achieved over 500 cycles while providing nearly four times the capacity of traditional graphite anodes at temperatures reaching 113°F. This innovation can help to address major barriers to EV adoption by promising batteries that charge faster, last longer, and perform reliably in extreme conditions. Group14's SCC55 material can improve charge times dramatically while enabling batteries to last up to 50% longer than conventional lithium-ion technology. Group14's SCC55 material already powers millions of devices worldwide, and their collaboration with BASF's specialized binding technology creates a solution that meets and exceeds current industry requirements for commercial battery production. "Strong and capable lithium batteries are crucial for electric mobility's mass adoption," said Dr. Thomas Schiele, vice president of BASF's battery binder business. The companies expect this advancement to help meet today's soaring energy needs while supporting the next generation of AI-powered technologies and sustainable transportation. While specific timelines for consumer availability weren't announced, the fact that both companies emphasize the technology's readiness for mainstream adoption suggests EV drivers could see these improvements in upcoming vehicle models sooner rather than later. EV owners can amplify their savings and environmental impact by pairing their vehicles with home solar panels, which slash charging costs by using free, clean sunlight instead of grid electricity. EnergySage makes this transition simple by connecting drivers with vetted solar installers with its easy comparison platform, helping you to complete the switch to fully sustainable transportation. If you were going to purchase an EV, which of these factors would be most important to you? Cost Battery range Power and speed The way it looks Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Van donated to Boys and Girls Clubs
Mar. 6—MOSES LAKE — The Boys and Girls Clubs of the Columbia Basin received some new wheels last week, thanks to Group14 and the Moses Lake Elks Lodge. "I swear, it was like the stars aligned," said Kim Pope, executive director of the Boys and Girls Club. In years past, students could take a school bus from their school to a Boys and Girls Club clubhouse. But with the cutbacks the Moses Lake School District had to make this year, that option hasn't been available, Pope explained. The club moved its teen center to Vanguard Academy in January, she said, because there were so many teens, but students at Endeavor had a long trek to get there and the club's two vans were already committed at other schools. Enter the Elks Lodge. "We felt that was really important to keep those kids engaged in a positive environment," said Debbie Doran-Martinez, a trustee with the lodge. "Group14 made a donation, but it wasn't enough for the van. And the $6,000 in grant money that we had available was enough to finish off that project." The grant was actually two grants that the Elks make to local causes, Doran-Martinez explained: a Beacon Grant for $4,000 and a Spotlight Grant for $2,000. Because the lodge was chartered mid-year, it missed out on most of the grants the greater Elks organization makes available in April. The lodge expects to be able to donate more this year when grants become available, she said. The van is a 2020 Ford 14-passenger vehicle, which means it can take 12 students at a time. Bud Clary made sure the club got a good deal, and the graphics on the side were wrapped by Signs Now. "My club kids have named it the Nice Van because it has heated seats and it has tinted windows," Pope said. The Nice Van joins the Old Van, the New Van and the Small Van, she added. When the Elks handed over the van, it had an additional surprise in it: It was loaded with nonperishable, kid-friendly food. "We did a food drive to kind of stock their pantry," Doran-Martinez said. "We had applesauce and cups of fruit; we had fruit snacks. We had granola bars, mac and cheese, Spaghettios, all kinds of food. Not only for snacks at the clubhouse, but also shelf-stable food, if they knew they had a kid that may not get a meal during spring break unless they send food home with them." Besides the daily transportation, the vans will also be used for educational field trips, Pope said. "During spring break, they are going to take that van and take some of our teens on a college tour," she said. "And we've actually taken one of our vans to (a farm) to teach the kids about processing potatoes." The Boys and Girls Clubs has had a difficult year, mostly due to school district cutbacks. A $175,000 donation in July enabled the club to keep its school clubhouses running through December, and the annual auction in October raised about $250,000. The club not only gives students a place to go after school but makes sure they're fed every day, which some children can't always count on at home. "(Community support) is making a difference, especially last year and this coming year ... with some of the cutbacks that the schools have had to have," Pope said. "We're always happy to try to fill in the gaps and provide whatever we can, but we can't do that without the community helping. This is just a prime example of how wonderful the community is."
