UK companies CamMotive and Thermulon are collaborating with a UK automotive OEM on a £2 million government-backed project to develop and validate an aerogel-based thermal runaway barrier for next-generation electric vehicle batteries.
Working with an unnamed UK automotive OEM, the companies will collaborate over 12 months to develop and evaluate Aeromotive, an aerogel-based thermal runaway barrier designed for use in next-generation battery packs.
The project addresses the challenge of thermal runaway in lithium-ion batteries, where cells can overheat uncontrollably under certain fault conditions, potentially triggering a chain reaction that propagates through a battery module or pack. The resulting heat build-up can lead to fire or explosion, prompting regulators and manufacturers worldwide to tighten battery safety requirements.
Thin layers of aerogel to limit heat transfer
Thermulon’s Aeromotive technology uses thin, lightweight layers of aerogel-based anti-thermal propagation material to limit heat transfer between cells and reduce the spread of thermal runaway.
As part of the programme, CamMotive will develop and implement a testing and validation regime to assess the barrier’s performance under a range of operating conditions. The work will include specialist testing of prismatic cell swelling and compression to examine how mechanical forces affect battery cell longevity and safety, and to optimise the performance of the anti-thermal propagation pads.
Luke Barron, senior engineer at CamMotive, said: “This ground-breaking project will deliver critical research and testing methodologies that make EV batteries safer. By advancing UK innovation in battery technology, we’re helping to accelerate the transition to safer, cleaner, high-performance electric vehicles.
The project is supported through the UK Government’s £4 billion Drive35 programme, delivered by the Department for Business and Trade in partnership with the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK and Innovate UK. Government grant funding remains subject to approval by HM Government.
