CPI Drives Forward Electric Vehicle Work with OXIS Energy
16 Aug 2018
The Centre for Process Innovation (CPI) is set to help develop the next generation of batteries capable of extending electric vehicles’ mileage range.
CPI is collaborating on the Lithium Innovations for Future Electric vehicles (LIFE) project with lead-partner OXIS Energy, a company that is focused on the development of Lithium-Sulfur battery chemistry.
The Innovate UK-Faraday Challenge-funded project aims to develop a lithium-metal cell with improved longevity and a higher energy density than conventional lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries, by investigating the scale-up of lithium-metal coatings.
CPI will use its extensive expertise in this research and development area to provide support.
This will include applying coating technologies developed at OXIS and performing larger-scale trials to assess the feasibility of scaling protective coatings on lithium-metal cells.
![The LIFE project aims to develop a lithium-metal cell with improved longevity and a higher energy density than conventional lithium-ion batteries The LIFE project aims to develop a lithium-metal cell with improved longevity and a higher energy density than conventional lithium-ion batteries](https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/electric-vehicle-charging-sign.jpg?w=1920&h=1080&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559224042&s=bb6cdbe05aede2438c100d6d46179ee2 1920w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/electric-vehicle-charging-sign.jpg?w=1120&h=630&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559224042&s=78cca6074d5591c434336543572662b2 1120w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/electric-vehicle-charging-sign.jpg?w=2240&h=1260&q=45&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559224042&s=7595d3cd71a15be64f24d65aa1b5d9c3 2240w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/electric-vehicle-charging-sign.jpg?w=800&h=450&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559224042&s=c6c492894d8463d93e537ee0b0da742e 800w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/electric-vehicle-charging-sign.jpg?w=1600&h=900&q=45&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559224042&s=efc3c00bd044a1f10daf856f113c9e4e 1600w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/electric-vehicle-charging-sign.jpg?w=480&h=270&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559224042&s=116ced0b854928a5af68e2eaceafb67c 480w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/electric-vehicle-charging-sign.jpg?w=960&h=540&q=45&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559224042&s=d4c56a6d8d4262beb9d65786ae838711 960w)
OXIS will then use the project outcomes to scale-up manufacturing of the lithium foil process in the construction of a pilot coating line.
The LIFE project has the potential to make the UK a leader in advanced electric transport battery production, by developing competitive lithium-metal battery alternatives to Li-ion batteries for automotive applications.
The lithium-metal battery supply chain for the automotive sector is anticipated to grow substantially over the next decade, with technological advances in the industry expected to create a significant number of highly-skilled jobs and safeguard existing positions.
Dr Sam Chan, Senior Scientist at CPI and LIFE Project Manager, said: “We are delighted to be involved in one of the first battery projects funded by Innovate UK with OXIS Energy.
“CPI’s team will provide our extensive knowledge in vacuum deposition technologies and will utilise our specialist facilities to deposit protective coatings on lithium metal foil aiming to enhance its battery life cycle.
![CPI's facilities include an Aurion Plasma Tool CPI's facilities include an Aurion Plasma Tool](https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/life-aurion-plasma-tool.jpg?w=480&h=270&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559213866&s=7bcf02b117d131370abc3904fd1ce039 480w)
“CPI will use gained knowhow in lithium metal foil handling and cell manufacture to further build and disseminate manufacturing knowledge within the UK’s High Value Manufacturing community.”
Lisset Urrutia, Project Manager, said: “OXIS’ main value chain and business models in operation consist of scaling up the technology in smaller, high-value niche markets, such as defence and unmanned aerial vehicles.
“Scaling manufacturing in these smaller, high-value markets will allow OXIS to build a supply chain at volumes in the hundreds of thousands of cells per year.”
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