Amprius Ships High-Energy, Fast-Charging EV Cells to USABC

Advancements in battery energy density and fast-charging capabilities are crucial to accelerating widespread adoption in the electric vehicle  (EV) landscape. High-energy batteries enable greater driving range, addressing range anxiety, while fast-charging technology minimizes wait times, making EVs more practical for everyday use. These factors are pivotal for meeting consumer expectations and reducing barriers to EV adoption.

Amprius Technologies has announced the shipment of its SiMaxx A-Sample EV Cells to the United States Advanced Battery Consortium (USABC). This shipment highlights the company's progress in creating next-generation lithium-ion batteries that promise to enhance EV performance by delivering unique energy density and ultra-fast charging.

The SiMaxx A-Sample EV Cells feature a high-capacity silicon anode, achieving a specific energy of 360 Wh/kg—significantly exceeding the USABC’s target of 275 Wh/kg. This energy density breakthrough can potentially extend EV range, addressing one of the most persistent concerns among EV users, commonly known as range anxiety.

In addition to high energy density, the SiMaxx cells demonstrate exceptional fast-charging capabilities, reaching 90% charge in just 15 minutes, surpassing the USABC’s 80% target. Fast charging is critical to enhancing EVs' practicality and user experience, minimizing downtime and making EV ownership more convenient for drivers.

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This shipment is the latest development in a $3 million USABC contract awarded to Amprius in May 2022 to create a cost-effective, fast-charging silicon nanowire battery. The cells’ delivery to USABC—a subsidiary of the United States Council for Automotive Research LLC (USCAR), representing Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis—could lead to further testing and validation by these major automotive players, potentially opening doors for broader commercialization.

Amprius CEO Dr. Kang Sun highlighted that this achievement builds on the company's success in aviation and light vehicle markets and demonstrates its potential to impact various electric mobility segments. Sun stated, “This is another important battery technology development milestone at Amprius after we successfully launched high-performance silicon anode battery business in aviation and light vehicle markets. We believe our batteries are well-positioned to support all electric mobility markets.”

Amprius’ A-Sample cells represent a promising advancement for the EV industry, with potential to enhance range, reduce charge times, and bring high-energy silicon anode batteries closer to large-scale use in electric vehicles.

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