EV range could be boosted thanks to new ultra-capacitor tech

• Published On: 14 May 2018
• 795 Views

It can store and discharge electrical energy faster than a standard battery.

The tech, which is being developed in France, can take 30 percent off the weight of a lithium-ion EV battery pack. The tech uses carbon and graphene nanotechnology and can store and discharge electrical energy much quicker than a standard lithium-ion cell, according to NAWA Technology, the company working on this tech.

“Our advantage is the speed of charge and discharge,” said Ulrik Grape, chief executive of NAWA Technology. “Our carbon battery can pick up energy from regenerative braking and supply it back to the motor very quickly.”

Ultra-capacitors offer can transfer energy quickly, but their storage capacity is low. According to NAWA, the ultra-capacitor could be integrated into a lithium-ion battery for better performance. A simulation on the battery pack was tested on a Formula E racing car and it demonstrated the same performance and range but was 30 percent lighter.

The company said that it is targeting premium European car firms first with the “aim of full production in 2022”.