Tag: LG Chem

  • LG Develops Cheaper 4680 Battery for Tesla Cybertruck in US

    LG Develops Cheaper 4680 Battery for Tesla Cybertruck in US

    Key Takeaways

    1. LG Chem has developed a new cathode that eliminates the need for precursors, leading to cheaper and better-performing battery cells in cold weather.

    2. Production of these new cathodes is set to begin by July at LG’s new Arizona factory, which will also manufacture 4680 batteries for Tesla.

    3. The Arizona facility will produce both 4680 batteries for Tesla’s Cybertruck and affordable LFP cells for lower-cost electric vehicles and energy storage.

    4. Tesla has developed a cost-saving dry cathode production technique, allowing for more efficient and cost-effective battery production.

    5. LG’s Arizona plant will have a capacity of 53 GWh, with plans adjusted to focus on 4680 batteries instead of the initially planned 2170 cells.

    Tesla’s battery partner, LG Chem, has made a significant advancement with a new type of cathode that doesn’t require precursors. This innovation is expected to result in less expensive battery cells that perform better in cold weather.

    Production Timeline

    Production for these new cathodes is set to kick off by July. LG plans to implement this technology in its new factory in Arizona, which is scheduled to open next year.

    Battery Types and Applications

    The Arizona facility will manufacture 4680 batteries specifically for Tesla, along with affordable LFP cells aimed at lower-cost electric vehicles and energy storage solutions. Tesla is also gearing up to release a more budget-friendly RWD version of the Cybertruck, which has already been listed in the federal IRS database for electric vehicle tax credits.

    To meet demand, Tesla will require a substantial supply of 4680 batteries, as there are reports that the Cybercab will also use a variant of these batteries, in addition to plans for the refreshed Model Y Juniper.

    Cost Concerns and Production Efficiency

    Tesla’s initial worry regarding the 4680 battery was its inability to produce them at a cost-effective rate, unlike suppliers like LG or Panasonic. However, Tesla has now successfully developed a cost-saving dry cathode production technique, which will likely complement its existing output.

    In the past, LG has stated that it has also perfected the production process, which can be utilized for both anodes and cathodes, resulting in a 30% reduction in the costs of 4680 batteries. Additionally, production facilities and energy usage can be reduced by half since there’s no need for harmful solvents or baking equipment, unlike the traditional wet method.

    Facility Capacity and Adjustments

    LG’s battery plant in Arizona is expected to reach a full capacity output of 53 GWh, with a large portion of that dedicated to producing 4680 cells for Tesla’s Cybertruck, Cybercab, Model Y, and more.

    “To proactively meet market needs for 46-Series batteries, the company altered its original plan for the facility, which was initially designed to produce 2170 cells with an annual capacity of 27 GWh, instead opting to manufacture 46-Series batteries at an expanded capacity of 36 GWh,” LG mentioned at the time.

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  • New Material Prevents EV Battery Fires from Thermal Runaway

    New Material Prevents EV Battery Fires from Thermal Runaway

    While Tesla’s data debunks the common belief that electric vehicle (EV) battery fires are frequent, it’s clear that when they do occur, extinguishing them is quite difficult.

    Difficulty in Extinguishing EV Fires

    It requires significantly more water to put out a fire started by an electric vehicle battery. This is due to a phenomenon called thermal runaway, which causes the battery packs to combust spontaneously, and regular fire extinguishers are ineffective against it.

    Before Hurricane Helene struck Florida, Governor DeSantis cautioned electric car owners to move their vehicles to higher ground. After the hurricane, the Dunedin Fire Rescue department tweeted a warning: "if your electric vehicle came in contact with flood water, don’t charge or start it," advising inspections by firefighters for flooded EVs.

    Recent Incidents Highlight Risks

    In a recent incident, the battery pack of a flooded Model X ignited after contact with corrosive saltwater while parked in a garage, leading to a complete structure fire. Previous hurricanes have also seen a rise in EV fires, and one Tesla even caught fire months after being submerged and taken to a junkyard. It required immersing the Model S in a pool of water to extinguish the flames, all due to thermal runaway that can cause short-circuiting in isolated cells to spread throughout the entire battery pack.

    A new material from LG Chem aims to combat thermal runaway effectively. Their researchers developed a composite that quickly reacts to temperature changes by significantly altering its electrical resistance. This material can be fashioned into a thermal runaway prevention layer that is just 1μm thick, positioned between the cathode and the aluminum foil that collects electrons in a lithium battery.

    Innovative Material Design

    This reinforced safety layer is made from polythiophene, which is engineered to change its molecular structure at temperatures exceeding the usual operating range of 90°C – 130°C. As temperatures rise, the material sees a swift increase in electrical resistance, measuring 5,000 ohms for every 1°C increase. Its maximum resistance can reach up to 1,000 times that of standard battery operating temperatures, effectively cutting off the electric current during an ignition event. Thus, this layer functions as a fuse for each battery cell, halting electricity flow and preventing thermal runaway and subsequent fires.

    While previous strategies included inserting temperature-sensitive materials inside the battery cells, they often struggled with slow response times or decreased energy density. However, LG Chem has developed a material that addresses these problems, utilizing their expertise and patented design to facilitate rapid mass production.

    In testing, LG Chem researchers punctured and dropped weights on batteries with and without the new safety layer. None of the modified polythiophene layer batteries experienced full thermal runaway, while all regular batteries in the drop test and 84% of those in the puncture test were completely destroyed.

    Scaling Up Production

    The highlight of this fire prevention innovation is that the new material can be quickly scaled for roll-to-roll mass production. LG has already completed safety verification for phone batteries using this protective layer and plans to certify it for larger electric vehicle packs next year.

    "This is a significant research milestone that can be swiftly implemented in mass production," says the CTO of LG Chem, expressing excitement that this material discovery will "improve safety technology to ensure customers can confidently use electric vehicles."

    LG Chem via Nature.

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