Highlights

  • Group14 Technologies and Sila Nanotechnologies are US-based start-ups that are developing innovative EV battery technologies.
  • New silicon-based electrodes will be used in the batteries, serving as an alternative or complement to graphite in battery anodes.
  • The companies are fine-tuning the material for optimal performance in the batteries that are set to hit the market by the middle of the decade.
  • Commercial-grade production of the new silicon-based electrodes will commence next year in central Washington state, a significant milestone in the development of the next generation of EV batteries.

EV owners can look forward to a brighter future as two U.S. start-ups, Group14 Technologies and Sila Nanotechnologies, prepare to bring their latest innovation to the market by mid-decade. The development of a new generation of EV batteries, equipped with silicon-based electrodes, is set to revolutionize the industry with improved energy storage, longer driving range, and faster charging times. The electrodes will be produced in commercial-grade facilities located in central Washington state, with production scheduled to begin next year. Customers can expect a groundbreaking alternative to traditional battery technology, making EVs more efficient and appealing than ever before.

Silicon, a plentiful element, is gaining attention from two burgeoning companies, Group14 Technologies and Sila Nanotechnologies, who are exploring new avenues for its application. Both firms are investigating the use of silicon as a replacement or enhancement to graphite in battery anodes. In a recent announcement, Group14 Technologies confirmed that construction is underway for a commercial-grade facility in Moses Lake, dedicated to the production of its SCC55 silicon-carbon powder. The innovative approach by these start-up companies demonstrates a commitment to seeking out novel solutions that will revolutionize the energy storage industry.

With initial production slated to begin in 2024, the new facility being constructed by Group14 Technologies will have the capacity to produce anode material for up to 200,000 electric vehicles. However, given the burgeoning demand for electric vehicles, plans are already in place to triple production capacity in the future.

The growing demand for this technology has been supported by corporate investors, including Porsche, TDK’s Amperex Technology Limited (ATL), BASF, and SK Inc, who have collectively invested $650 million in Group14 Technologies. This strategic investment provides ample resources to fuel the continued growth of this innovative company and meet the increasing demand for silicon-based battery technology.

Two pioneering companies, Group14 Technologies and Sila Nanotechnologies, have set their sights on groundbreaking developments in the energy storage industry. Group14 Technologies’ joint-venture plant in Korea with battery manufacturer SK is on track to open this year, as announced by CEO and co-founder, Rick Luebbe. The partnership between Group14 and SK is expected to bring about exciting new innovations in battery technology.

Meanwhile, Sila Nanotechnologies is gearing up to launch its Titan Silicon nano-composite anode material in 2022, with production slated to begin in a Moses Lake facility. CEO and co-founder Gene Berdichevsky is spearheading the company’s efforts to revolutionize energy storage through the use of silicon-based materials. These two companies represent the future of the energy storage industry, and their innovations are sure to bring about a transformative shift in the field of electric vehicle batteries.

The quest to develop cutting-edge EV batteries is gathering pace, with Sila Nanotechnologies leading the charge. The company has managed to secure over $900 million in funding from corporate investors such as Mercedes-Benz, ATL and Siemens, paving the way for exciting developments in the field. The company’s flagship product, Titan Silicon nano-composite anode material, is set to be deployed in Mercedes-Benz’s EQG electric SUV by 2025. However, Sila CEO Gene Berdichevsky is facing mounting pressure to accelerate the company’s efforts to meet the growing demand for silicon-rich anodes. Despite the construction of new plants in Korea and Washington, the demand for Sila’s technology is outstripping supply. Nonetheless, Sila’s commitment to innovation and its strong partnerships with leading automotive manufacturers and investors make it a key player in the rapidly evolving EV market. Still, “it’ll take more than 10 years” for silicon to replace graphite as the main ingredient in anodes, Berdichevsky said.