A new electric energy storage technology being developed by Swiss tech startup Morand could offer significantly faster electric vehicle (EV) charging times than currently achievable.
The technology combines the features of an ultracapacitor and advanced controllers with those of a chemical battery. In part of its test and evaluation program, the company said a 7. -kWh eTechnology prototype was able to recharge to 80% in just 72 seconds, 98% in 120 seconds and 100% in 2.5 minutes at up to 900 A/360 kW. The solution is engineered for smaller-capacity applications, such as drones and electric bikes, and is best-suited to uses requiring fast, semi-frequent charges of five minutes or less.
A 7.2-kWh prototype was able to recharge to 80% in 72 seconds. Source: Morand
Among the other advantages Morand cites for its eTechnology are efficient operation in extreme temperatures and the potential for a far greater number of charge/discharge cycles. The company reports it has safely tested the units to more than 50,000 cycles, tens of times more than traditional battery packs.
Morand is working with a manufacturing partner on low-volume production and plans to ramp up production to make eTechnology more cost competitive with lithium-ion batteries.
