USABC awards $2.68M to Maxwell for stop-start ultracap-battery hybrid system; RFPI for high-performance Li-ion electrolytes

5 November 2014

The United States Advanced Battery Consortium LLC (USABC), a collaborative organization operated by Chrysler Group LLC, Ford Motor Company and General Motors, has awarded a $2.68-million advanced battery technology development contract for the development of a high-performance, hybrid energy storage system for automotive stop-start applications to Maxwell Technologies Inc. of San Diego, Calif.

The 19-month program will focus on the technological and economic feasibility of adopting a 12-volt hybrid energy storage system consisting of lithium-ion batteries and Maxwell ultracapacitors to an automotive stop-start application meeting USABC specifications. The program goals will include development of an improved capacitor.

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The competitively bid contract award is co-funded by the US Department of Energy (DOE) and includes a 51% Maxwell cost-share.

RFPI for electrolytes. Separately, USABC recently issued a request for proposal information (RFPI) for the development of advanced high-performance electrolytes for lithium-ion batteries used in vehicle applications.

The RFPI is aimed at developers having electrolyte technologies that have the capability of meeting or approaching USABC long-term criteria when employed in an appropriate battery cell. The proposed technology is expected to provide a significant improvement over existing electrolytes in one or more of the following areas:

1. selling price;
2. low-temperature (-30°C) conductivity;
3. high-voltage stability;
4. vapor pressure at 30°C;
5. flashpoint; and/or
6. components purity.

Applicants also must have an established relationship with a cell fabricator partner with a proven track record. A 50% minimum cost share is required.

All developers submitting viable proposals will be required to have demonstration hardware and make test results available. Applicants also will be required to submit a detailed schedule, which indicates when full-scale availability would occur, as well as the developer’s commercialization plans. The submission deadline is Monday, 1 December.

Resources

• “Development of Advanced High- Performance Electrolytes for Lithium-Ion Batteries Used in Vehicle Applications”