Nyobolt, a company that emerged from Cambridge University led by battery experts Professor Clare Grey and Dr. Sai Shivareddy, has brought their pioneering ultra-fast charging battery technology from concept to the racetrack. Just a year after announcing their initial plans, Nyobolt introduced their first driveable electric vehicle (EV) prototype developed in collaboration with automotive design firm Callum. This prototype is set to push the boundaries of current EV technology by drastically reducing charging times.
On 28 June 2024, Nyobolt announced the release of a 35kWh battery-equipped EV capable of charging from 10 to 80 percent in just under five minutes, a feat achieved using a 350kW DC fast charger. This rate of charging is notably faster than the quickest EVs currently available, which typically require at least twice this time to achieve a similar state of charge.
Using the numbers supplied by Nyobolt and StoreDot, we can see that the two competing technologies are remarkably close when it comes to charging speed. Back in April, we announced that StoreDot was able to pick up 6.16kW a minute with Polestar. Nyobolt's numbers come in at around 5.6kW a minute.
The company's technology relies on advanced materials such as patented carbon and metal oxide anodes, alongside innovative low impedance cell designs that reduce the heat typically generated during rapid charging.
These technical advancements allow for an impressive battery lifespan, capable of enduring over 4,000 fast charge cycles, which would equate to around 600,000 miles while retaining more than 80 percent of the battery's original capacity.
Independent testing by a major global automotive manufacturer has corroborated these claims, noting that Nyobolt’s batteries not only charge rapidly but also maintain their efficiency and longevity under rigorous conditions. This testing further validates Nyobolt's claim of a significantly longer-lasting battery.
The Nyobolt EV prototype, which boasts a compact design, tips the scales at only 1,250kg, making it significantly lighter than many current electric sports cars. This reduction in weight helps improve the vehicle's handling and efficiency, potentially transforming the sports car segment by reintroducing agility and reducing environmental impact.
In addition to demonstrating these capabilities in a sports car model, Nyobolt is exploring applications of their technology in various sectors. The fast-charging capabilities are particularly suited to industries requiring high uptime, like robotics and heavy-duty commercial vehicles.
Despite the cutting-edge nature of their technology, Nyobolt is already in discussions with eight additional OEMs to adapt this technology for broader automotive use. Furthermore, plans are underway for scalable battery production, with a potential annual output of up to two million cells. This production is expected to commence on a smaller scale within the next year, expanding to larger volumes as demand increases.
Nyobolt’s innovation not only represents a significant leap forward in battery technology but also underscores the potential for existing EV platforms to upgrade their systems to incorporate this rapid charging feature. The prototype’s cooling system, which incorporates a water/glycol mix and standard automotive AC components, showcases a potential pathway for retrofitting existing electric vehicles to enhance their performance and extend their usable lifespan.
The battery technology has been developed over a decade of research, focusing on the creation of supercapacitors and refining the chemistry of lithium-ion batteries to enhance their efficiency and charging speed. This breakthrough could revolutionize the electric vehicle industry, making electric cars more appealing and accessible to a broader audience by eliminating one of the biggest hurdles: extended charging times.
Dr. Sai Shivareddy, CEO of Nyobolt, emphasized the transformative nature of their technology, stating, “Our extensive research here in the UK and US has unlocked a novel battery technology that is ready and scalable right now. We are enabling the electrification of new products and services currently considered inviable or impossible. Creating real-world demonstrators, such as the Nyobolt EV, underlines both our readiness and commitment to making the industries see change is possible.”
This development marks a significant milestone in the quest for more sustainable and efficient transportation solutions, paving the way for a future where electric vehicles can charge as quickly as filling up a tank of petrol.
Any solution capable of picking up more than 5kW a minute will be a serious contender in the near future. It remains to be seen if Nyobolt his any kind of issue (thermal etc) in charging speed delivery once the battery being tested is larger than 40kWh.