Sample cells of Schaeffler’s solid-state battery will be displayed at CES in January, but not a full battery pack, says Rashid Farahati, director of engineering for Schaeffler Americas.
The cells use a metallic anode with silicon that have been developed in-house to work with a next generation solid electrolyte that provides higher thermal stability at extreme conditions. The company has been developing new processing tool and fixture design for the cells.
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“We have manufacturing skill and we have (parts) coating skill,” said Farahati. “Solid-state, electrolyte, is best for Schaeffler.” He says the company has a car maker as a customer, and there will be a demonstration vehicle at CES.
Just before Christmas the company saw a loan of €420m approved to fund R&D on renewable technologies over the next ten years, including electric mobility and hydrogen
The loan from the European Investment Bank (EIB) will be used to cover part of the staff costs for R&D in Europe in areas such as electronic axle systems and electric motors as well as chassis and bearing applications. As the bank of the European Union, the EIB supports the European Commission’s Green Deal where battery technology is key.
“The new 420-million-euro loan is another important building block in Schaeffler AG’s financing mix. The European Investment Bank is also an ideal partner for putting our research and development financing for sustainable technologies on a broad footing. The EIB funds will help to strengthen our locations in Europe,” said Claus Bauer, Chief Financial Officer of Schaeffler AG responsible for Finance and IT.