Research and innovation for advanced Li-ion cells (generation 3b)
The activities will be based on a multidisciplinary approach that includes the system knowledge for the most promising electrochemistries to achieve possible production-readiness by two to three years after the end of the project. The whole system performance for batteries has to be addressed and related monitoring systems / smart management have to be developed (TRL 5-6 achievement at the project end). The advanced performance parameters critical to customer acceptance (low cost per unit of energy and power capacity, safety, resistance to high-power charging, durability), environmental sustainability (energy-efficient manufacturing, recyclability and 2nd life usage) and aspects for large scale manufacturing solutions have to be considered.
At least one of the following bullet points has to be addressed (although a full integration of the three bullet points would provide the best impact):
- Research in cell chemistry, cell morphology & cell architecture to:
a) maximise energy and power density;
b) reduce critical raw materials (in particular cobalt) use per unit stored energy;
c) develop and apply green production processes for cathode, anode and electrolyte materials and coating processes;
d) maintain or improve overall system capability (cell, pack and system levels) in terms of critical parameters such as safety, durability (including deeper understanding of degradation in normal and fast charging and discharging and better balancing of low temperature performance and high temperature life time), high power capability (for regenerative braking and fast charging);
e) environmental sustainability (energy for manufacturing, recyclability, 2nd life opportunities & design for manufacturing) of chemistries and processes achieve all the above while further reducing cost, particularly by pursuing cost reduction of electrode active materials;
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Development of smart micro-sensors and micro-circuits in/at cells or modules for monitoring and diagnosis of cell status thus enabling a wider operational range according to the requirements (usage profile, life time requirements cycles, temperature conditions) in xEV applications by advanced battery management.
- Development of advanced manufacturing methods and equipments capable of managing thinner material layers, increasing quality and its control and enhancing throughput, thus increasing density and reducing cost.
Any needed modelling can be included, provided that it does not need extensive development and can immediately support the needed design aspects. Longer term modelling efforts are developed in the topic LC-BAT-6-2019.
The Commission considers that proposals requesting a contribution from the EU between EUR 5 to 12 million would allow this specific challenge to be addressed appropriately. Nonetheless, this does not preclude submission and selection of proposals requesting other amounts.
The high growth rate of electrified vehicles (xEV) with substantial unit forecasts is driving the demand for electrochemical battery cells. To achieve a significant market share for European suppliers, global competitiveness for xEV batteries has to be achieved.
For the future it is important that European industry and research have the system knowledge in next generation lithium ion battery technology (generation 3b) covering the full value chain and the capability to provide the most essential parts of them both at cell and at the system levels: the cells and their constituent components (anode and cathode materials, separators, electrolytes), the control and sensor systems and the assembly know how. At the same time competitiveness in terms of performance, safety, cycle and calendar life has to be achieved.
With the intended research the development of a strong European industrial base in this field has to be supported. In addition to this topic, topic LC-BAT-1-2019 of this call addresses solid state battery electrochemistry issues, in a longer term perspective..
Research and innovation activities will bring European industry to a stronger position on the world market having the technological knowledge and be prepared for a fast implementation to launch competitive next generation Li-ion cell based (3b) mass production in Europe.
The proposed solutions should demonstrate technological readiness and safety through prototypes in accordance to the required TRL levels (TRL 5-6), improving cell-level energy densities of at least 750 Wh/l, and costs lower than 90€/kWh at pack level, with at least 2,5C (preferably 3 or more) fast charging capability while keeping a useful life of at least 2000 deep cycles (with 10% fast charging) to 80% residual capacity.
At least 20% reduction of critical materials with respect to NMC [[Nickel Manganese Cobalt]] 8-1-1 at the same energy density.