24M shares test data of new Impervio separator that helps reduce EV battery fires
Volkswagen-backed battery developer 24M Technologies has shared test data showcasing its Impervio separator technology, which helps reduce the risk of EV battery fires. The video footage below shows a side-by-side comparison of conventional EV cells overcharged with and without an Impervio separator in real-time, demonstrating the technology’s potential in the future.
24M Technologies is a US-based battery startup spun out of MIT that has redesigned the traditional battery cell using “SemiSolid” lithium-ion technology. Prospective benefits of these unique cells include 40% less production area, more efficient product recycling, and less CO2 during battery production.
In December 2021, we shared the news that Volkswagen Group had invested in the battery specialist as part of three separate partnerships to advance EV battery cell development and adjacent technologies.
With VW’s financial support, 24M announced a novel approach to EV battery recycling called “Liforever” this past March. This approach is implemented directly into the battery manufacturing process as a method to recycle all active battery materials like lithium iron phosphate (LFP) more efficiently and cost-effectively while bypassing the creation of black mass entirely.
In January 2024, 24M introduced a new approach to battery separators called “Impervio,” which addresses the growing concern of fire across EV battery cells, energy storage systems (ESS), and consumer applications when they are overcharged. You can learn more about how 24M’s Impervio separator helps reduce the risk of EV battery fires in the company’s explainer video here.
Most recently, 24M shared test data that visually demonstrates the potential of its Impervio separator, overcharging EV battery cells with and without the technology in real time. The results are encouraging.
24M data that shows its separator reduces EV battery fires
As a follow up to its initial announcement earlier this year, 24M Technologies has shared actual test data that exhibits how effective its Impervio technology can be at preventing EV battery fires.
24M explained that overcharging a battery cell, like those utilized in EVs, can lead to dendrite formation and an internal short, which can result in a fire or, even worse, an explosion. The Impervio separator obstructs dendrite propagation by controlling the cell at the individual electrode level, thus preventing dendrites from propagating and faulting. 24M also shared that its technology can prevent thermal runaway by monitoring a cell’s electrochemistry and implementing a failsafe in the event of a shorting out.
The company shared the following video of a side-by-side performance test of two separate 10 Ah NMC/graphite cells, one with an Impervio separator and one with a conventional separator, charged to 100%, then overcharged to 100% overcapacity or twice the specified maximum voltage.
As you can see in the video, the non-Impervio, off-the-shelf cells overheated via dendrite-caused micro shorts after 15 minutes, causing the battery to inevitably explode and catch fire after 38 minutes. The NMC cell with 24M’s Impervio technology, however, did not overheat or catch fire after an entire hour of overcharging. 24M Technologies president and CEO elaborated on the potential of the company’s Impervio separators:
Battery safety is a major roadblock to the widespread adoption of EVs. Recent EV fires around the globe have highlighted why new battery safety innovations are required. A sustainable energy future is only possible with innovations like Impervio, which can help prevent battery fires and create new opportunities for battery innovation
It will be interesting and exciting to see 24M’s Impervio technology implemented at a mass scale, as EV battery fires, although rare, are still a major concern for OEMs and consumers alike. It would also be nice to remove the talking point about EV fire risk from the conversation from naysayers and political pundits as an argument against EV adoption.
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On today’s informative episode of Quick Charge, we’ve got Honda engineers Jason Hwang and Emilio Sanchez to talk us through some of the things that make the GM Ultium-based Honda Prologue EV feel like a real Honda, and why that matters.
Jason and Emilio talk about some of the choices they made to make the Honda Prologue and Acura ZDX feel different from its GM-branded cousins, and explain why this was much more than a case of badge-engineering. Give it a listen, then let us know what you think of the Prologue and ZDX in the comments.
Today’s episode is sponsored by BLUETTI, a leading provider of portable power stations, solar generators, and energy storage systems. For a limited time, save up to 52% during BLUETTI’s exclusive Black Friday sale, now through November 28, and be sure to use promo code BLUETTI5OFF for 5% off all power stations site wide. Learn more by clicking here.
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Read more: All my favorite EVs, racecars, and robots from Electrify Expo Austin.
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The first EV charging hub funded by the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) Program in the Eastern US is now online in Deerfield, Massachusetts.
The town installed the region’s first DC fast chargers (four ports), along with four Level 2 chargers, at 59 North Main Street in South Deerfield.
These new charging stations, funded with $2.46 million from the CFI program, are conveniently located near Interstate 91 in Franklin County, the most rural county in Massachusetts, which serves drivers from Connecticut up to the Canadian border.
The hub also features local and regional bus stops and designated bike lanes with secure onsite bike racks. The chargers are meant to cater to everyone: from local residents and visitors to municipal EVs and commercial vehicles that service the region’s businesses, like those in food and beverage manufacturing.
Gabe Klein, executive director of the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation, sees this as a model for future projects:
Multi-modal charging hubs in communities are key to giving more people the choice to ride and drive electric. The Town of Deerfield is showing leadership in building out convenient charging infrastructure that brings new transportation choices to rural and disadvantaged communities while supporting local commerce.
In recent years, Deerfield has experienced increased climate change-driven flooding from nearby rivers, including the Deerfield River, the Connecticut River, and the Bloody Brook. The project incorporates environmental engineering designed to mitigate and adapt to the effects of flooding and climate, including the installation of permeable asphalt and rain gardens, planting of native trees, grasses, and shrubs, and the creation of new greenspace in the center of Deerfield.
The Biden-Harris administration’s CFI Grant Program is expanding EV infrastructure nationwide. It offers grants for projects that complement and expand upon the initiatives of the NEVI program in urban, rural, and disadvantaged and low-income communities. So far, the CFI Grant Program has allocated over $1 billion to nearly 100 projects across the US, encouraging private investments and expanding the EV charging network to make EV ownership more practical and convenient.
Read more: The US reaches milestone of 200,000+ public EV charging ports
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Kia’s upcoming EV4 electric sedan was just spotted testing in the US for the first time. The low-cost EV is expected to make its big debut by the end of the year. Here’s a look at the new model.
The EV4 will round out Kia’s new “EVs for all” master plan launched last year. Kia showcased three new models, the EV3, EV4, and EV5, during its first annual EV Day in October 2023.
During the event, Kia outlined its new global strategy to “lead and accelerate the EV revolution” with a wide range of models priced from $30,000 to $80,000.
Kia plans to rapidly expand its lineup with a series of smaller, lower-priced models. It launched the EV9, its first three-row electric SUV, which is already proving to be a hot seller in the US. Starting at under $55,000, the EV9 is still a great deal compared to others in its class, but Kia plans to go even lower.
The EV3 and EV4 are expected to be among the most affordable electric vehicles when they arrive in the US.
Kia’s new EV4 is now testing in the US
Ahead of its official debut, Kia’s new EV4 sedan was recently caught driving on US streets for the first time.
The latest image from KindelAuto doesn’t reveal much more than what’s been shown in the past, but the fact that it’s now testing in the US is significant.
Kia’s EV3 is already on sale in Korea, starting at around $30,000 (42.08 million won). Earlier this week, the company said its new compact SUV is now available across Europe, starting at around $38,000 (36,000 euros) with a “segment-leading range” of up to 375 miles (WLTP).
Next up will be the EV4. Kia is expected to officially reveal the new EV by the end of the year, with deliveries starting in 2025. It could be as soon as next week at the 2024 LA Auto Show.
The interior will feature Kia’s advanced new ccNC infotainment system with dual 12.3″ navigation and driver display screens. An otherwise minalimalistic design is expected inside.
Kia’s EV4 will also be available in a hatchback variant. Although the hatch is likely aimed at European buyers, it was also recently spotted testing in the US for the first time.
We will learn official prices closer to launch, but the EV4 is expected to start at around $35,000 to $40,000.
Kia is teasing five new vehicles for the US, at least one being a new EV, that will debut at the LA Auto Show next week. Will it be the EV3? EV4?
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