Rochester, New York, 12/13/2023: GDI, the silicon anode specialist, has launched a ground-breaking 100% silicon, ‘roll-to-roll’ processed anode for next-generation lithium-ion batteries, setting new benchmarks for graphite free battery cells capable of 15-minute fast-charging, greater safety, and >30% higher energy density.
Rob Anstey, GDI Founder/CEO:
“Our mission at GDI is to deliver a complete 100% silicon anode that can be integrated into existing battery production, greatly reduces GHG emissions from the anode production, and scales rapidly on cutting-edge industrial equipment. In partnership with AGC and Navitas we have done all three. This is a tremendous milestone for us, and the industry. The next step is to show our anode can enable EV batteries that power vehicles with >500 miles of range, allows them to charge 250 miles in 15 minutes, hundreds of times, and improves safety. GDI and AGC have developed a clear roadmap to Gigawatt scale production by 2028, so that this technology can used in tens of thousands of high-performance vehicles by 2030.”
GDI’s silicon anode offers >30% higher energy density, repeated 15-minute fast charging [hundreds of times back-to-back], and improved safety. Often in lithium-ion batteries, the industry trades off fast charging and safety, for high energy, but GDI allows for all three simultaneously through its revolutionary 100% silicon architecture, bonded directly to copper alloy foil, from Carl Schlenk AG, a global leader in high performance metal foils.
Even more exciting is that Navitas nail penetration testing has demonstrated GDI’s silicon.
Anode is far more resistant to thermal runaway [fire] than current state of the art high energy EV cells on the market. After leaving a nail pierced through a 3.5Ah cell with a GDI anode for 10 hours, there was no fire, no smoke, and temperatures only increased 10 degrees Celsius. GDI is already executing initial product development partnerships in MedTech and Defense and is simultaneously carrying out initial testing for the premium EV segment.
The net result is quicker go to market strategies for safe, fast-charging, and high energy next gen battery cells.
Worlds First MWh Scale 100% Silicon Anode
GDI’s partnership with AGC, a global leader in glass and plasma coating technology, has proven this architecture can also be made at large scale on modified industrial glass coating equipment. Similar equipment to what AGC uses to coat skyscraper glass. GDI and AGC have achieved a first in the world milestone of producing 100% silicon anodes, roll-to-roll at MWh scales. This is the first step on a five-year path to achieving Gigawatt scale manufacturing of the anode by YE2028. This will pave the way for mass produced silicon anodes that can completely replace graphite. Creating safer, more secure supply chains, and delivering next-gen battery cells.
In third party verified cell testing, GDI’s anode drops directly into conventional cell assembly, and achieved >280Wh/kg in a 3Ah pouch cell design. Even more impressively, the cell was able to pass nail penetration testing, even with commercial off the shelf liquid electrolytes, and a high nickel cathode, only heating up to 30 degrees Celsius.
Safety First
GDI’s 100% silicon anode is a first in class of silicon dominant anodes, which usually go into thermal runaway and heat up to >800 degrees Celsius, at loadings higher than 5% silicon to 95% graphite active materials. This will be critical to passing new European electric vehicle safety regulations in 2027/2028.
Ends
About GDI
GDI has its headquarters in New York and a European R&D Center and pilot production facility located in Eindhoven, the Netherlands. It is currently setting up its first MWh-scale ‘roll-to-roll’ production facility in Lauenförde, Germany. GDI has spent the last decade researching and developing industry transforming next generation battery materials and high energy storage technologies. GDI is backed by leading venture capitalists, industry experts, government, EIT InnoEnergy, and strategic investors. https://www.gdinrg.com
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Ben Kilbey
Founder BOLD Voodoo
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